Social media use among teenagers, specifically on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, is high, with the Pew Research Center reporting that 58% of teens use TikTok every day. Concerns about the impact of social media on child development have been growing, but no regulation has been passed yet. Parental controls and safeguards have been added to many social media platforms, but these piecemeal changes do not alter the fact that these platforms were designed for adults, not for kids. So, there is no clear “right way” to handle a child’s social media consumption.
There is no age at which children should be definitively allowed to use social media, but experts generally agree that 13 is not the best age for kids to start. Laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act are meant to protect kids’ privacy online, but there are several other concerns like bullying, harassment, and mental health issues that need to be considered. There is a movement urging parents to wait until kids are older, like the “Wait Until 8th” pledge, but social media companies and the government have not taken definitive action to increase age limits.
Parents and children are advised to engage in open discussions about social media, with experts recommending an early introduction and providing guidance on how to navigate platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Setting limits on screen time, taking breaks, and modeling good behavior with phone use can help children develop healthier relationships with social media. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what they see on social media and to educate themselves about the tools and tactics companies use to keep users engaged.
Parental controls have been added by social media platforms catering to children, but these features are often optional and require both parents and children to agree to use them. The intention is to balance teen safety and autonomy and prompt conversations between parents and their children. However, many families are not actively involved in their child’s online life, making it challenging to effectively use these features. U.S. Surgeon General Murthy has emphasized that placing the responsibility solely on parents to manage children’s social media use is not fair, as technology continues to rapidly evolve.
In conclusion, navigating social media as a parent and child is complex. While no definitive age has been set for children to start using social media, experts generally advise against starting too early. Open dialogue and education about social media platforms are crucial for both parents and children. Setting limits on screen time, taking breaks, and modeling good behavior with phone use can help children develop healthy habits. Parental controls are available on some platforms, but they require both parents and children to agree to use them and may not be effective in all cases. Ultimately, both parents and children need to work together to navigate the ever-evolving world of social media responsibly.
