5 tips to help the conversation and support healthy digital habits.
Teens and social media. As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns. But as countries around the world explore new age restrictions, it’s a great moment to talk with your teen – to understand what they think and how they feel.
Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist, author and mom shares 5 tips to help the conversation.
Watch the video or read the tips below.
Watch more quick tip videos from Dr. Lisa Damour on ways to support your teen.
Teens and social media. As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns. But as countries around the world explore new age restrictions, it’s a great moment to talk with your teen – to understand what they think and how they feel. Here are a few tips to help the conversation.
Choose a time and place when you can bring the topic up naturally and when your child is likely to feel comfortable talking freely, such as during a family meal or when out on a walk.
You could try asking: “How are you and your friends feeling about the idea of social media bans?"
As adults, we often focus on risks, but it’s important to recognize that social media can allow teens to check in on one another, to share their lives, and to feel a sense of belonging and social connection that matters deeply to them.
Some teens may be angry or worried about the idea of losing access to social media. Others – especially those who’ve had negative experiences online might feel relieved. Many teens will feel a mix of frustration and relief.
It’s important to listen to them without interrupting and to acknowledge their feelings.
Consider asking: “What would be the worst part about losing access to social media? And what would be positive about not using it anymore?”
Many teens feel ignored or left out of the decisions adults are making about social media – decisions that could impact their lives directly. Make sure your child feels heard and that they feel their opinion matters.
Be sure to explain that the bans are being considered not because teenagers have done something wrong, but because social media companies haven’t succeeded at protecting children online. That is why governments are now looking at how we can do that better.
Consider asking: “If you ran a social media company, what would you want to do to make social media safe for young people?”
Connection with friends isn’t optional for teenagers – it’s essential for their mental health.
Reassure your child that their friendships and interests still matter – even if their access to social media changes.
Ask them: “If you don't have access to some apps, do you feel that you’ll be able to stay in close touch with your friends?"
If needed, make a plan together on ways they can stay connected. This might include in-person time with friends, school clubs, sports, phone calls, texting or other forms of digital communication.
Take this opportunity to discuss together ways to stay safe online and how to take a balanced approach to using tech.
Remind them that we all have choices – who to follow, when to switch off and how to respond if something online feels wrong.
Discuss simple rules your entire family could adopt together, such as leaving devices outside the bedroom at night, or silencing notifications when studying.
And remember – the strongest protection for youth mental health is a strong relationship with a caring adult. Let this conversation help build that bond!
> Watch: Will banning children from social media actually make them safer?