Safe Social Media Use for Children

Navigating the Digital World Safely

Today, children are introduced to technology at a very early age, with many actively using the internet by around age nine. Studies show that 37% of children aged 6–10 and 65% of those aged 11–15 are regular internet users. Helping them navigate this vast space safely is one of the most important roles of modern parenting.

Creating a Family Social Media Agreement

Setting clear, collaborative boundaries can help protect your child while fostering mutual trust. Consider sharing these agreements with your child as they begin their social media journey:

• Shared Passwords: We will set your social media password together, and if you ever need to change it, you must let me know.

• Active Supervision: I will periodically check your social media account to ensure you are safe and having positive interactions.

• Kindness First:Social media should only be used for positive interactions. Never mock anyone, write hurtful or mean comments, or share someone else's photo without permission. (Be sure to talk openly with your child about cyberbullying.)

• Keep it Private: Do not post anything you wouldn't want me, your teachers, or other family members to see. If you have personal thoughts you want to keep private, write them in a physical diary rather than sharing them online.

• No Strangers: Never share personal details publicly, and do not accept friend requests from people you don't know in real life.

• The Digital Footprint: Everything shared online can be recorded, screenshotted, or saved. Even info meant only for friends can easily end up in the hands of strangers.

• Ask for Advice: If you are ever unsure about making a post, always talk to me first.

• Open Communication: If anything online makes you feel sad, uncomfortable, or scared, you can always talk to me without fear of getting into trouble. If I ever need to temporarily pause or close your account, we will always talk about it first.

Leading by Example

As parents, we also need to model healthy social media habits. This includes asking our children for permission before we post their photos on our own profiles. Note that these guidelines are best suited for children aged 6 to 14. As children enter their teenage years, these boundaries will naturally need to evolve to support their growing independence.