[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s becoming harder and harder to stay connected in the digital age without using social media, and even our kids are beginning to face this pressure. <\/span>Since 2019, children aged 8-18 have increased their overall device usage by <\/b>over 17%<\/b><\/a> – much of which has come from an increase in social media use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These changes can be worrisome for parents, since most social media apps are not designed for children under 13 and can expose them to inappropriate and dangerous content. Especially for younger kids, popular social apps like Instagram and <\/span>TikTok<\/span><\/a> can <\/span>contain misinformation and graphic content that they have no way to identify or understand. As parents, we have to keep all of this in mind, along with many other factors, when we finally decide: <\/span>Is my child <\/b>ready for social media<\/b>?<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Social media networks advertise that they <\/span>require a minimum age of 13<\/span> for use of their platforms. However, <\/span>this definitely doesn\u2019t mean that every 13-year-old should immediately jump into the world of social media!<\/b> It\u2019s true that no child under 13 should be using these apps, but their maturity, level of development, and track record of responsibility all play a role in their <\/span>readiness for social media<\/span> use once they reach their teens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As parents, we can observe these qualities in our kids, in addition to how well they follow instructions and handle relationships, expectations, and communication, to decide if they are <\/span>ready for social networks<\/span> at 13 or if we should work with them to develop those skills first.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While the general factors outlined above can be a great way for us to identify whether <\/span>our children are <\/span>ready to use social media<\/span>, there are also a few more distinct ways that <\/span>we can tell.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 1. Your child has developed their abstract thinking skills<\/b><\/p>\n This is one of the most important factors when talking about <\/span>social media readiness<\/span> in your child. <\/span>Until about age 11, most children still exercise almost exclusively concrete thinking.<\/b> This means that they use information available to them to make a decision in the moment, without thinking about potential consequences. This is completely normal and healthy for younger kids; after all, thinking about problems from multiple angles and projecting the impact of our decisions far into the future is a complex skill!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, the permanent nature of the internet and the long-lasting consequences of everything we upload means that <\/span>kids who haven\u2019t yet proven themselves as capable abstract thinkers should stay away from social media.<\/b><\/p>\n 2. Your child has a healthy level of self-esteem<\/b><\/p>\n Social media apps are full of \u201cinfluencers\u201d and regular people who spend their time preparing professional-quality photos to post under the guise of casual snapshots of their lives. This can quickly lead to kids developing a <\/span>negative image of themselves<\/span><\/a> because most of <\/span>what they see on social media projects that we should look flawless the second we wake up in the morning<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your child is already confident in their body, has a positive self-image, and isn\u2019t easily swayed by peers, it\u2019s more likely that they\u2019ll be less fazed by the constant deluge of perfect-looking pictures they encounter on social media.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. They can demonstrate good offline social skills<\/b><\/p>\n Your child\u2019s real-life<\/span> social and communication skills<\/span> are also an important <\/span>gauge for their ability to <\/span>appropriately use social media<\/span>. <\/span>If your child can hold a <\/b>conversation with a non-parent adult, appropriately manages their friendships, <\/b>and generally acts respectfully around others<\/b>, they are likely capable of being <\/span>responsible and respectful online too.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/06\/10084834\/2022-06-Is-my-child-ready-for-social-media__InsideImage.jpg” alt=”Is there a right age for social media” title_text=”Is there a right age for social media” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s very important that your child is succeeding in all of the above areas before they get their <\/span>first social media account<\/span>, but there are a variety of other reasons you might want to hold off.<\/span><\/p>\n If your child struggles with <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>, depression, or mood regulation, that can be a <\/span>sign that you need to work through those issues before they start using social media.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, if your child has a hard time following rules or is easily swayed by their <\/span>peers, it\u2019s more likely that they will be irresponsible online. <\/span>It\u2019s also crucial that your lines of communication are open with your child<\/b>, and that they feel comfortable coming to you with questions about anything that troubles them. If this isn\u2019t yet the case, try cultivating your relationship with your child and <\/span>create a firm sense of trust before letting them dive into the often-confusing world of social media<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your child has created a social media account without you knowing, it\u2019s time to<\/span> have a direct and loving conversation with them about their technology use and your expectations<\/b>. Make sure that you listen to them just as much as you expect them to listen to you, and try to gain a fuller understanding of their choices. Talk with them about the dangers of social media overuse, and <\/span>come up with a plan<\/span> to ensure they engage with social media in a constructive and safe way.<\/span><\/p>\n Implement or revisit existing <\/span>parental controls<\/span><\/a> settings to keep an eye on their <\/span>internet activity while they learn how to be more responsible and appropriate <\/span>online. <\/span>I always recommend Qustodio for this purpose<\/b>, because it easily allows <\/span>you <\/span>set time and content restrictions<\/span><\/a> for every child in the family. You can also <\/span>monitor their social media use in order to keep them safe online and help them <\/span>develop healthy electronics use habits.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the \u201cright\u201d <\/b>age for social media<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How do I know if my child is <\/b>ready for social media<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What are some signs that my child isn\u2019t <\/b>ready for social media<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
I found out that my child has a <\/b>secret social media account<\/b> – what do I do?<\/b><\/h2>\n