Written by Claire Burgess. Managing social media and technology use with teenagers is a well known challenge for many parents and in recent months, there’s been growing concern in the media about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Heartbreaking stories have reminded us all just how powerful, and potentially harmful, these platforms can be when young users aren’t supported in navigating them safely. As parents and carers, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious about how to protect our tweens and teens online, especially as they begin to explore more of the digital world independently. But with the right strategies and open conversations, it is possible to create a supportive framework that helps them build confidence, make safe choices, and feel able to come to us if something feels wrong.
Here are some tips to help guide you through.