Social media and internet have become a part of the day today life for the children. Among today’s teenagers the most popular social media networks platform is YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Other platforms such as are also used by teenagers. Kids use it in many ways such as messaging friends, meeting new people and so on.

Social media can help teenagers with healthy development but there are a lot of risks also involved it. As per research it is important to focus on how teens use and the type of content they see on the social media.

Many parents and kids considering social media use may wonder what is the appropriate age to begin using these platforms might be. Most platforms such as Instagram, TikTok requires users to accept legal terms and agreements which states that users should be of at least 13 years of age or more in order to use the platform. But in reality, many children use even before that.

Things to do as a parent

Monitor and discuss your child usage

As a parent you need to have a healthy talk with your kids about the usage of social media including the time limits, parental monitoring and supervision about the usage of social media. Chatting with strangers and other content should be strictly avoided. Also, the usage of social media should be allowed when parents are at home so that they can keep a closer eye on their online activities.

Along with that the posting and the content viewed is also advised. Without appropriate supervision the kids may be susceptible to potentially harmful content.

Demonstrate healthy usage

Researches have shown that teens learn behavior and attitudes from their parents. So as a parent it is important for them to follow a healthy social media use in their own lives. Some good behavioral techniques should be demonstrated such as avoid it at the dinner table or during the family time.

 Watch usage

Keep an eye out for the signs that your child may be using social media in unhealthy ways or may be overusing them which can create issues for them such as

Interfering with the daily routine

Preventing them from a sound sleep

Teach social media literacy

Social media platforms, schools, teens all play an important role in teaching the kids social media literacy.  Even the parents, teachers and caregivers can also help

Pros and cons of parents monitoring

Let’s see what are the pros and cons of parents monitoring usage for children

Pro

Block children from viewing and sharing inappropriate or explicit content, or anything that could be dangerous, harmful, or a negative influence.

Intervene in potentially dangerous situations before things go too far, such as meeting with predators or scammers or cyberbullying.

Minimize the amount of time kids spend with electronic devices and online.

Prevent children from spending large amounts of money, for example, while playing games or making purchases through advertising.

Cons

To prevent children from feeling as if they have no privacy or independence.

Digital native children know how to get around monitoring and parental controls, including by setting up secondary accounts.

It does not prevent predators and scammers from trying to make contact with kids.