Social media plays a significant and increasingly controversial role in shaping how children interact, learn, and entertain themselves. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, X, Instagram, Tumblr, Reddit and even games like Roblox have become hubs for connection and content consumption. With the rapid evolution of these digital spaces, it’s important for parents to stay informed about both the opportunities and the challenges they present.
When Does Social Media Use Begin?
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, but many children are exposed to these spaces earlier through friends or siblings. At Friends Central School, we emphasize that children should not have unsupervised access to social media. We encourage families to establish age-appropriate guidelines, as early and unsupervised use of social media can pose risks to their emotional and mental well-being.
Understanding the "For You Page" and Algorithms
Many social media platforms curate personalized content using sophisticated algorithms, resulting in feeds like TikTok’s "For You Page" (FYP) or YouTube’s recommendation system. These platforms analyze user interactions to present content based on their interests, and they can also be strategically manipulated. Families should work together to ensure their child’s feed is appropriate.
Practical Tips for Safeguarding Your Child Online
- Set Digital Boundaries: Establish time limits for screen time, and which platforms your child can and cannot use.
- Review Privacy Settings Together: Each platform has unique privacy controls, which determines what they do with user data. Sit down with your child to ensure their account settings limit who can see their content, interact with them, and send them messages.
- Follow Your Child’s Account: If your child has a social media profile, follow them. Regularly check their friends list and the type of content they engage with.
- Address Cyberbullying: Social media opens the door to both positive and negative interactions. Have ongoing conversations about respectful online behavior and what to do if they experience or witness cyberbullying.
- Monitor Content: Teach your child to use features like the "Not Interested" button to help filter out negative or misleading content and better curate their FYP / algorithm.
- Support their Self-Esteem: The pursuit of likes and follows can create pressure and unhealthy comparisons. Remind your child that social media doesn’t define their worth and encourage them to focus on personal interests, real-life connections, and achievements rather than online validation.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: As social media continues to evolve, staying involved in your child’s online life is key to ensuring they make safe, responsible choices. Encourage open dialogue and ensure they feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns. By staying engaged, you help create a safe digital environment for your child, both now and in the future.
Friends' Central's Commitment to Digital Safety
Friends Central School prioritizes digital citizenship by educating students on responsible online behavior and safety. Through open communication and age-appropriate programs, we equip students with the tools to safely navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our counselors are available to help mitigate social issues, including bullying and self-esteem challenges, and to provide support for mental health. We adhere to regulations such as COPPA, CIPA, and FERPA and implement best practices, including filtering student devices used for academics and analyzing the data privacy policies of the software being used by the students.
