Top Tips for Parents on Managing Social Media Use

Written by the CultivaTeen Roots Team

8 minute read

The prevalence of mental health concerns for teens, and their social media use, are two of the most discussed topics among parents, caregivers, and educators of adolescents. It is impossible to deny a correlation between the two issues. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer teens opportunities for connection, self-expression, and entertainment. However, they also present challenges and risks that can significantly impact a teen’s development. As parents and caregivers, understanding the effects of social media and learning how to guide your teen in navigating it responsibly is crucial.

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Development

Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development and identity formation. Social media’s ubiquitous presence can amplify both the positive and negative aspects of this stage. Here are three key areas where social media influences teen development:

1. Social Connection and Belonging Social media can provide a sense of connection and belonging, particularly for teens who may struggle with face-to-face interactions. According to a study by Rideout and Robb (2018), 81% of teens say that social media makes them feel more connected to their friends. However, the same study found that 43% feel pressure to post content that gets significant likes and comments, highlighting the double-edged nature of these platforms.
2. Mental Health While social media can be a source of support, it’s also linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Research by Twenge et al. (2017) found that teens who spend more time on social media report higher levels of depressive symptoms. The constant comparison to curated, idealized versions of others’ lives can take a toll on their self-image. The algorithms pump out content into their feeds that catches their eyes. If teens are looking at problematic information, then they are more likely to have a feed filled with similar content. For example, if a teen is looking at troublesome eating disorder content, their feed can easily fill with triggering images, suggestions, and stories. This can also happen with self-harm, depression, anxiety, political extremist, racist, mysogonistic, homophobic and other disturbing content. 
3. Cognitive and Emotional Development The teen brain is highly sensitive to rewards, particularly social rewards such as likes, shares, and comments. These triggers activate the brain’s reward centers, making social media highly addictive. A study by Sherman et al. (2016) showed that receiving likes on social media activates the same brain regions as receiving a financial reward, which can encourage compulsive use. Teens are hardwired to crave the dopamine that gets released each time they receive this feedback on social media. This feedback loop creates the addictive nature of social media, which teens are especially susceptible to.  

Practical Parenting Strategies for Managing Social Media

Given the complexities of social media’s impact, how can parents effectively guide their teens? Here are some practical strategies:

1. Educate Yourself About Social Media

Stay informed about the platforms your teen uses. Familiarize yourself with their features, trends, and potential risks. Being knowledgeable will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations with your teen and address any concerns they may have. Treat your teen as the expert on this topic and let them inform you about the various social media platforms and benefits/challenges of each one. 

2. Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you enjoy most about [platform]?” or “Have you ever seen something online that made you uncomfortable?” Listen without judgment and validate their feelings. 

3. Set Boundaries and Guidelines

Work together with your teen to establish clear boundaries around social media use. This could include:

• Limiting screen time, especially before bed.
• Designating tech-free zones, such as during family meals.
• Setting privacy settings to ensure their profiles are secure.
• Having a centrally located “charging station” where all family members charge their devices outside of the bedrooms. 

4. Model Healthy Tech Habits

Teens are more likely to follow your lead than your instructions. Demonstrate balanced technology use by:

• Taking breaks from screens.
• Prioritizing face-to-face interactions.
• Avoid scrolling during family time.

5. Teach Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking

Equip your teen with the tools to navigate social media critically. Discuss topics like:

• The difference between real and curated content.
• Recognizing cyberbullying and knowing how to respond.
• The longevity of their digital footprint.

6. Create Opportunities for Offline Activities

Encourage your teen to engage in hobbies, sports, or volunteer work that promote real-world connections and build their self-esteem. A balanced life offline can help reduce the reliance on social media for validation.

7. Leverage Parental Controls Wisely

While parental controls can be helpful, they should not replace open communication. Use them as a tool to support healthy habits, not as a way to spy on your teen. Involve your teen in setting up these controls to foster trust and collaboration. The more buy in and engagement you have from your teen, the higher success you will have in teaching healthy boundaries with social media and phone use. 

The Role of Boundaries and Independence

At CultivaTeen Roots, we emphasize the importance of boundaries and independence in our course, Making AdoleSense. Setting boundaries is not about restricting freedom but about providing a safe framework within which teens can explore and grow. Encourage independence by involving your teen in decision-making around their social media use. For instance, ask them to propose rules for screen time or discuss how they plan to handle negative interactions online.

Social media is an integral part of modern adolescence, offering both opportunities and challenges. By staying informed, maintaining open communication, and setting thoughtful boundaries, parents can help their teens navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. At CultivaTeen Roots we are here to support you every step of the way. Check out our course, Making AdoleSense for more insight the ins and outs of raising a teen. For additional resources specific to social media use- see below. 

References:

1. Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2018). Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences. Common Sense Media.
2. Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2017). "Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time." Clinical Psychological Science.
3. Sherman, L. E., Greenfield, P. M., Hernandez, L. M., & Dapretto, M. (2016). "Peer influence, brain development, and social media use by adolescents." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Resources: 

Websites

1. Common Sense Media
• Website: www.commonsensemedia.org
• Focus: Reviews of apps, games, and media, plus tips for parents on managing screen time and online safety.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Website: www.healthychildren.org
• Focus: Research-backed guidelines and advice on digital media use for children and teens.
3. Child Mind Institute
• Website: www.childmind.org
• Focus: Mental health resources, including strategies for managing the effects of social media.
4. Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
• Website: www.fosi.org
• Focus: Tools and guides for online safety and digital parenting.
5. Pew Research Center: Teens and Technology Reports
• Website: www.pewresearch.org
• Focus: Research and statistics on teens' social media use and its societal implications.

Books

1. “iGen” by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
• Explores the impact of smartphones and social media on the current generation of teens.
2. “Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World” by Devorah Heitner, PhD
• A practical guide for parents to understand their child’s digital world and foster healthy habits.
3. “The Tech-Wise Family” by Andy Crouch
• Focuses on creating a balanced approach to technology use within the family.
4. “Raising Humans in a Digital World” by Diana Graber
• Offers tools for teaching kids and teens digital literacy and safety.
5. “Social Media Wellness” by Ana Homayoun
• Discusses practical strategies to help teens manage social media and maintain mental health.