With conversations around a social media ban, you might worry about whether social apps are safe for children.
Download or print the checklist below for guidance on whether your child is ready to stay safe on social media.
Every child is different, which means there's no easy answer to this question.
However, there are things to consider:
Not every child is ready for social media at 13. So, it’s up to you to decide together what is and isn’t okay for your child online.
Children want to join social media for different reasons. So, when coming to an agreement, make sure your listen to their concerns.
For most children, talking and ‘hanging out’ with friends happens online. Social media is often a big part of this.
Banning access to social media might mean you also ban communication with friends.
If you don’t believe your child is ready for social media, it could be worth speak with their friends’ parents to find a different type of platform they can all use together safely.
Many young people like social media for the quick access to content they can learn from. Or perhaps they want to learn from creatives with similar interests to them. If you want to encourage this but limit potential harm, setting parental controls and having regular conversations can help.
For some young people, social media can help them find a community of like-minded people. Or, for neurodivergent young people, they might feel more comfortable communicating online rather than off.
If you worry about them finding the wrong people or communities, check in regularly and ask questions. You could even discuss following the same communities to help you stay on top of their safety and to get involved in their interests.
Before letting your child use social media, review the checklist below.
If you can tick off every item with confidence, your child likely has the skills to stay safe on social media. You can then make your decision knowing that they can think critically about what they see and take action to keep themselves safe.
Whether they use social media, watch streaming services or play video games, get advice to keep them safe. Simply answer some questions about their digital likes, experiences and concerns for relevant, personalised resources.
GET YOUR DIGITAL TOOLKITNeed more support with social media safety? Explore our resources below to help your child communicate safely.
