Social media is an integral part of teens' lives today, offering opportunities for creativity, connection, and learning. However, excessive and unsupervised usage can lead to challenges such as sleep disruption, increased anxiety, and exposure to harmful content. As a communications and marketing professional and a parent ally, here are six practical tips for fostering healthy social media habits in children before adolescence:

1. Start With a Family Social Media Plan

Establish clear guidelines for when, where, and how devices are used. This can include setting screen-free zones (like during family meals or homework time) and agreeing on appropriate online behavior. Tools like the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Family Media Plan can help structure these discussions.

2. Teach Critical Thinking About Content

Help students discern credible sources and recognize misleading or harmful material. Discuss the algorithms that curate their feeds, explaining how these might amplify sensationalized or negative content to capture their attention and remind them that social media is not “real life”.

3. Set Device-Free Bedtimes

Excessive social media use is linked to poor sleep quality and emotional health issues. Encourage students to wind down at least an hour before bed and store devices outside their bedrooms overnight to promote restful sleep.

4. Model Healthy Habits

Children often mimic adult behaviors. Demonstrate balanced use of technology by setting boundaries for your screen time, and show that offline activities like reading, talking, hobbies, or movement are equally fulfilling.

5. Foster Open Communication

Once your children are on social media, talk regularly about their experiences. What do they enjoy? What pressures or challenges do they witness/face? Being approachable will make them more likely to seek guidance if they encounter issues like cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

6. Highlight the Importance of Offline Connections

Social media and excessive screen time can foster feelings of isolation when it replaces in-person interactions. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities, family outings, or community events to build face-to-face connections. Schedule family game nights/family outings that are phone-free!

The Pros and Cons of Social Media

Research reveals the dual nature of social media. While 80% of teens report feeling more connected to their friends through social media, many also face challenges. For instance, 38% say they feel overwhelmed by online drama, and 31% feel excluded by their peers. Such nuances emphasize the need for mindful use of these platforms, including being thoughtful about the age at which children are allowed to join. 

By creating a balanced approach, parents and educators can help students navigate social media positively and responsibly, ensuring that it complements their development instead of hindering it.

Sources: 

Pew Research Center

U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory

Yale Medicine

Meet the Author

Zoe Steinberg-Di Stefano, Communications and Marketing Manager
Years at TPS: 7