No matter how old you are, social media is a great way to stay up to date with your friends and the rest of world, as well as share your personal updates. But when it comes to children, most parents have concerns about social media safety. We’ve all read the headlines about online bullying, and even a good thing can be too much when left unchecked. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to ride that line between allowing children to explore and enjoy technology while supporting their emotional and social health.

Social Media Safety in the News

Recent headlines have highlighted growing concerns about kids and social media:

SAFE for Kids Act

In September 2025, New York’s attorney general proposed updates to the previously established Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. The act prohibits social media companies from using algorithms to serve up content for users under the age of 18 without parental consent. The goal is to limit addictive feeds and data tracking for minors.

The act also prohibits social media companies from sending push notifications to kids between 12 am and 6 am and allows parents to limit kids’ access to the platforms during the same time period.

Currently in effect in New York state, the SAFE for Kids Act is mirrored in the proposed national Kids Online Safety Act, which also focuses on limiting addictive feeds and prioritizing our children’s emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

Safety issues with smartphones and social media

A study released in July 2025 by the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities reports that using smartphones before the age of 13 can damage children’s mental health. Their use has been associated with suicidal thoughts, lower self-worth, and detachment from reality. This was found to be especially true with pre-teen girls.

Of course, it’s not just the smartphone use that’s concerning; it’s what kids are looking at, which is mostly social media. The researchers in the study actually made a global appeal to keep kids from using smartphones and social media, so clearly they see an issue.

While lawmakers and researchers continue to explore solutions, parents remain the first—and most powerful—line of defense when it comes to social media safety.

How to Help Your Kids Stay Safe Online

As a parent, your goal is to maintain an open line of communication with your children. Even before they join a platform, talk with them about what social media is and how it works. For younger children, focus on simple ideas such as kindness, privacy, and boundaries. And if you need to educate yourself about platforms you may not be using, including Snapchat and TikTok, do so.

Here’s how to begin that conversation:

• Ask what they know. Start by asking what their friends use and what they’ve seen. This helps you gauge their understanding.
• Explain real vs. pretend. Help kids recognize that people often share the best highlights of their life online, not everything that happens. If it looks too good to be real, it probably is, and they shouldn’t judge themselves based on what others post.
• Enforce kindness. Being respectful online is just as important as being kind in person. It’s not okay to bully or say rude things to people from behind a phone.

When you lay the groundwork, your kids will feel comfortable talking about their social media experiences. That means they’re more likely to come to you if they feel uncomfortable. And you’ll also be able to talk to them about what they’re seeing online.

Set Clear Rules and Expectations

Rules around technology aren’t about punishment; they’re about protection. Together, decide on guidelines that feel fair and easy to follow. These may include:

• Age-appropriate boundaries. Many social media platforms require users to be at least 13. Help your child wait until they’re ready—even if that means it’s after that thirteenth birthday.
• Start with a shared account. If your child wants to join a platform, consider starting together so you can model healthy habits. If you set up separate accounts, be sure you have access.
• Use privacy settings. Review who can see posts, comment, or message your child.
• Keep devices in shared spaces. Limit access to phones, especially at night. Some families collect all phones at bedtime.

You might also consider creating a family media-use plan, which allows everyone to be involved and holds kids and parents to similar guidelines.

Teach Kids to Protect Their Privacy

Regardless of what you and your children choose as guidelines for social media usage, one key to social media safety is to ensure that they don’t post personal information. This could be on their “about” section of their profile, in posts they share, or in direct messages (DMs). Sometimes, even if someone thinks they know who’s on the other side of the conversation, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Some things to warn your children about:

• Never post their full name, address, school, or phone number.
• Be cautious about sharing photos that identify where they are.
• Check with you before joining new apps or accepting friend requests.

Once something’s posted, it can be saved on the other side—even if your child deletes it. Make sure they know that posts live on forever.

Watch for Signs of Social Media Stress

If your child seems more withdrawn, anxious, or suddenly uninterested in offline activities, social media might be contributing. Studies show that children who spend excessive time online—especially on image-heavy platforms, which many social media sites tend to be—are at higher risk for anxiety and depression. Encourage balance for your children through these suggestions:

• Unplug regularly. Schedule screen-free family activities such as walks, game nights, or baking together. Step away from devices during meals.
• Check in emotionally. Ask open-ended questions: “How do you feel after using that app?” or “Do you ever see things online that bother you?”
• Lead by example. Model healthy phone habits yourself by disengaging with your phone or laptop and giving your full attention to real-world happenings.

When to Step In

If your child receives threatening messages, is bullied online, or shares something inappropriate, step in calmly but firmly. Document the situation, block or report the user, and, if needed, contact the school or authorities.

And if your child seems overwhelmed, reach out for professional support. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we understand how technology affects children’s development and wellbeing. Our providers can:

• Offer guidance on healthy screen habits.
• Help identify emotional or behavioral concerns linked to social media.
• Recommend safe online practices tailored to your child’s age.
• Provide referrals if additional mental health support is needed.

If you have concerns about your child’s screen time or social media safety, talk to your pediatrician. Together, we can help your child see the best side of online interactions while not missing a second of what’s happening in the world around them.