Parents
Introducing Your Child to Social Media
Keeping your child safe online
Navigating online risks
Introducing your child to social media is a significant milestone. While it can support learning, creativity and connection, it also comes with risks that children may not fully understand. By staying informed and involved, you can guide your child to develop healthy digital habits and navigate social media safely.
How do you know if your child is ready for social media?
Before introducing social media, consider whether your child is ready to manage the responsibilities that come with it:
Can they manage their time?
Children who can balance responsibilities are more likely to use social media in a healthy way.
Do they follow rules offline?
Following household routines and expectations often reflects their ability to follow online guidelines.
Do they understand relationships and reputation?
Help them recognise that online actions can have lasting consequences, just like in real life.
Do they have healthy self-esteem?
Children who are less reliant on external validation may cope better with comparison and feedback online.
Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old. Delaying access can better protect your child’s well-being and allow time for emotional maturity. Consider waiting until your child is ready, even if they meet the minimum age.
What risks and warning signs should you look out for?
While social media can be beneficial, it may also expose your child to risks such as overuse, contact with strangers, inappropriate content and social pressure. Without guidance, these risks can sometimes lead to online harms that affect your child’s safety and well-being.
Here are some signs to watch for:
Overuse and unhealthy habits
Spending too much time online can affect your child’s sleep, mood and focus. Signs may include staying up late, irritability or difficulty concentrating.
Impulsive or risky online behaviour
Children may not fully understand the consequences of what they post or share. This may include oversharing personal data or posting hurtful comments. They may also engage with or discuss harmful content with friends out of curiosity or to keep up with trends, without realising the risks.
Emotional and behavioural changes
Exposure to inappropriate content or uncomfortable interactions online can affect your child’s well-being. Withdrawal from online activities and increased anxiety or secrecy around their online activities may be signs that something is wrong.
What can you do to support your child?
Being aware of these signs is important, but taking proactive steps from the start can help your child build safe and positive habits online:
Create a family tech agreement and have regular conversations
Use a family tech agreement to set ground rules on screen time and online behaviour
Review the agreement regularly and use it to guide meaningful conversations about online safety
Keep conversations ongoing and encourage open communication so your child feels comfortable sharing and seeking help
Understand platforms and use their respective safety tools
Explore the different platforms to understand their features, risks and safety settings
Use parental controls to manage your child’s activities
Set your child’s accounts to private and encourage them to connect only with people they know
Show your child how to block, report and seek help when they encounter harmful content or behaviour
To find out more about helping your child stay safe on specific social media, gaming platforms and instant messaging apps, refer to these guides.