Understanding Social Media: A Guide for Parents of Children and Teenagers

Social media is a huge part of everyday life for children and teenagers. Whether it’s socialising, exploring new interests, or keeping up with friends, much of their world now unfolds online. While these platforms can offer creativity, learning and connection, they can also expose young people to unrealistic expectations, pressure, and emotional challenges. As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child navigate this landscape with confidence, curiosity and care.

Start the Conversation Early

Talking about the internet and social media should be a natural part of everyday family life, but that doesn’t mean letting go of boundaries. Children and teenagers need to feel comfortable coming to you, while also knowing you’re involved and aware.

✓ Keep it open but guided: Bring up online topics like you would any part of their day, but don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns if needed.

✓ Check in with purpose: Ask what they’ve been enjoying online, who they’ve been talking to, or if anything has made them uncomfortable. Let these chats be regular, not just when something goes wrong.

✓ Lead by example: Model the behaviour you want to see — such as taking screen breaks, not using phones at dinner, or showing respect in online discussions

Stay Informed and Involved

You don’t have to be a tech expert, but being aware of what your child is engaging with online is part of keeping them safe, and teaching them to make good choices.

✓ Ask them to show you and stay involved: Let your child explain the platforms and games they like, but don’t stop there. Use this as a chance to set expectations and talk about what’s appropriate.

✓ Explore together with guidance: Use online searches to learn about apps, settings, or risks – then discuss your findings together. This helps build trust, but also reminds them that you are taking an active role.

Set Healthy Boundaries Together

Children and teenagers still need structure when it comes to technology, even if they resist it. Rules help them feel safe, especially when they know you’re making decisions with their best interests in mind.

✓ Be clear and consistent: Agree on screen time limits and stick to them. For example, no phones during meals or before bedtime.

✓ Use shared spaces: Encourage device use in living areas where you can casually monitor what’s going on.

✓ Involve them in decision-making: Rules are easier to follow when children understand the reasons behind them, but some limits should be non-negotiable.

✓ Use parental controls as tools: Settings can help filter harmful content, but don’t rely on them alone. Open conversations matter more.

Support Their Emotional Safety

Children might come across upsetting content or experience social pressure online. What matters most is that they know they can come to you without fear of being punished or judged.

✓ Keep your reactions calm and supportive: If your child tells you something troubling, thank them for being honest and talk it through together.

✓ Help them process what they see: Whether it’s online cruelty, idealised images or unrealistic lifestyles, teach them to think critically and protect their sense of self.

✓ Normalize not being ‘always available’: Social media can create pressure to respond instantly or maintain constant presence. Encourage healthy breaks

Teach Online Respect and Responsibility

Using social media comes with responsibility — and children need guidance to learn how to be respectful, safe and thoughtful digital citizens.

✓ Talk about thoughtful posting:Help them understand the impact their words or images can have on others. If they wouldn’t say it face to face, they shouldn’t post it.

✓ Talk about privacy often: Explain what personal information is, and why it’s risky to overshare, even with friends.

✓ Encourage consent culture: Teach them never to post pictures or videos of others without asking first.

✓ Remind them that deleting isn’t always enough: What goes online can be saved, shared or screenshotted.

Build Emotional Resilience Offline

Strong self-esteem doesn’t come from likes or comments,  it grows through real-life experiences, relationships and challenges.

✓ Promote hobbies and interests: Encourage activities that give your child a sense of competence and belonging, away from screens.

✓ Support face-to-face friendships: Help them spend time with peers in person, not just online.

✓ Create phone-free moments: Simple rituals like meals, walks, or school runs are opportunities to connect and unwind.

✓ Model confidence in being ‘offline’: If you can switch off, they’ll learn it’s okay not to be available 24/7.

Supporting your child’s wellbeing in the digital world isn’t about constant supervision — it’s about building trust, setting thoughtful boundaries, and encouraging meaningful conversations. When you take an active interest in their online experiences and model healthy habits yourself, you equip them not only to stay safe, but to develop the self-awareness and resilience they’ll carry with them into adulthood.