Parents and teens are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media use on young people, with 58% of teenagers being daily users of platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Despite this concern, no regulation has been passed to address these issues. While social media platforms have added parental controls and child safeguards, they were originally designed for adults, not for kids. The question of what age children should be allowed on social media remains, with some advocating for waiting until at least age 13 or older before introducing children to these platforms.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act currently prohibits kids under 13 from signing up for online platforms, but as new concerns arise about online safety for children, the age limit is increasingly up for debate. Some parents, tech experts, and educators advocate for waiting until children are older to give them access to social media, with some parents even signing pledges not to give their kids smartphones until the 8th grade. However, social media companies and the government have not taken concrete steps to increase the age limit for accessing these platforms.
Parents are encouraged to communicate openly with their children about social media use, starting at an early age. By engaging with their children about what they see online and how to handle various situations, parents can help prepare them for navigating the often overwhelming world of social media. Setting limits on screen time and modeling healthy phone habits can also be effective strategies for parents to encourage responsible social media use by their children.
Some parents opt to ban their children from social media altogether, while others believe that gradually introducing children to social media can help them learn to navigate these platforms safely. Experts recommend giving children the tools and information they need to understand the risks and benefits of social media, as well as engaging in open discussions about their online activities. To help children develop a healthy relationship with social media, parents can provide guidance, set limits, and model responsible phone use.
Social media platforms aimed at children have introduced parental controls and safeguard features to address concerns about child safety online. For instance, Meta’s parental supervision tools allow parents to set time limits, monitor who their child follows, and track screen time on platforms like Instagram. However, the use of these features is optional, and both children and parents must agree to use them. Experts emphasize the importance of parents being involved in their child’s online activities and maintaining open communication about social media use to ensure a safe and healthy experience online.
While parental controls and communication are important tools for guiding children in safe social media use, challenges remain in regulating children’s online activity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. U.S. Surgeon General Murthy has cautioned against placing the burden solely on parents to manage their children’s online behavior, highlighting the need for broader societal efforts to protect children online. Despite ongoing debates and concerns about social media use among young people, parents can take proactive steps to guide their children in navigating social media and promoting responsible online behavior.
