Caring for Kids is a monthly article series by early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.

In today’s world, social media is everywhere – not just for adults but for children and teens too. While it offers great ways to connect, share, and learn, it also comes with risks and challenges. Understanding these impacts will help you create a safe and positive online space for your kids.

Impact on Younger Kids

For younger kids, social media can provide ways to connect with loved ones but may also expose them to news, ads, or topics that may present unintended consequences. They might see things they don’t understand, which can lead to confusion and worry. However, with the right guidance, social media can be a place for learning and creativity by using platforms designed for children.

Christine Snyder, Director of Child and Family Care, highlights the importance of early education in online interactions: “We often think of social media readiness as a concern for tweens and teens, but even from a young age, we can start teaching kids how to balance their own needs with those of others, communicate preferences, respect personal boundaries, and build trust-based relationships.”

Impact on Tweens and Teens

For both tweens (ages 9-12) and teens, social media is a significant part of life, serving as a platform for connecting with friends, expressing themselves, and exploring new ideas. At these stages, they are especially sensitive to their peers' opinions, making them vulnerable to issues such as cyberbullying and peer pressure. The pressure to compare themselves to the seemingly perfect lives presented online can impact their self-esteem and self-image. Additionally, excessive use and negative content can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Seven Suggestions for Parents and Caregivers

To help your kids use social media safely, you need to be involved and set rules that match their age and maturity:

Set Age Limits

Decide when your child can start using social media. Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old. Younger kids should use apps that are made just for them and under your supervision. While developers provide guidance on age limits, it's important for you to decide as a family what is right for you and your child based on your values and goals.

Create Usage Rules

Limit how much time your child spends on social media and choose which platforms are suitable for them. Set "screen-free" times and encourage activities that don’t involve screens.

Teach Online Safety

Explain the importance of not sharing personal information and how to recognize online dangers. Discuss privacy settings, the permanence of online actions, and how to report bad behavior.

Keep Communication Open 

Talk with your child about their social media experiences. Encourage them to share what they see and any concerns without fear of being punished. This builds trust and understanding and makes space for you to support your children through tricky social situations..

Lead by Example

Show your child how to use social media responsibly by being mindful about your own online behavior. They often imitate adults, so model the values, goals, and behaviors you have agreed on as a family.

Promote Kind Interactions

Encourage your child to be supportive and kind online, just as you expect them to be in real life. Foster a connection between how they interact at home and at school, emphasizing that these positive behaviors should also be reflected in their online interactions.

Encourage Critical Thinking

Help your child think critically about what they see online and recognize false information.

"As parents, your involvement and guidance are key to helping children navigate digital spaces safely”, adds Snyder. “By fostering open communication and teaching responsible habits, we lay the foundation for children to use social media as a tool for positive growth and connection."

Additional Resources

For more information and tips, check out these resources:

• How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guid | Yale Health
• APA chief scientist outlines potential harms, benefits of social media for kids
• How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers - Child Mind Institute
• Kids & Social Media | Pediatric Health Care Alliance P.A.
• Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
• Kids, social media and privacy: What to know before you post | NPR
• Overuse of social media and devices top parent concerns as kids head back to school | Michigan Medicine
• Help your child build a healthy relationship with social media | Inside Children's Blog