What children say about using social media
Children tell us that social media can have real benefits when used safely. It helps them stay connected with friends and family, express themselves creatively and explore new interests.
Children can:
- learn new skills through tutorials
- discover communities that share their hobbies
- build confidence and be creative by sharing their own content
- find support and feel less alone.
By helping children use social media thoughtfully, we can support their wellbeing and encourage safe, positive experiences online.
Understanding risks
Social media is deeply embedded in the lives of many children and young people, offering spaces to connect, create, and explore. However, these platforms can expose them to experiences that are difficult to manage without support. Understanding the specific risks is essential for helping children navigate these environments safely and confidently.
Unwanted contact
Children may encounter people online they don’t know, and not all interactions are safe. Unsolicited messages, friend requests, or group invites can lead to uncomfortable or even dangerous situations.
Exposure to inappropriate content
Children can be exposed to harmful material through group chats, disappearing messages, and peer pressure. Social media algorithms can also add to this risk by suggesting content based on what users engage with.
Distorted body image and unrealistic standards
Filters, editing tools, and curated posts often present an idealised version of reality. This can lead children to compare themselves unfairly, which can affect their self-esteem and body image.
The pressure of likes and comments
Online engagement – likes, shares, and comments – can feel like a measure of self-worth. Children may feel defined by their popularity online, leading to anxiety and a need for validation.
Five tips to help children stay safe
Help children stay safe online by turning off location sharing and setting accounts to private. Use privacy controls to limit who can send friend requests, send message or comment on posts. Support their wellbeing by helping them block or report harmful content, set app time limits, and have regular conversations about what they see and experience online.
While most platforms require users to be 13+, some features, like live streaming or messaging, may still be unsuitable. Always review what’s available and decide what’s appropriate for your child.
Have regular conversations with your child about what they’re doing online. Ask who they’re talking to, what apps or games they’re using, and how different experiences make them feel.
Talk about what to do if something worries or upsets them and remind them that they can always come to you for help. These conversations help children feel supported and more confident in recognising and reporting anything unsafe.
Teach children to ask themselves: ‘Would I send this to my family?’ If not, it’s best not to share it online, even via private messages as these can be shared on. Remind them never to share personal information like full names, school names, phone numbers, or live locations – and always to talk to you about who they’re speaking with.
Help children question what they see online and focus on positive body image. Encourage them to understand that their worth isn’t measured by likes or followers, but by who they are offline.
Understanding social media terms
Many of these are used widely across lots of social media platforms, and some on only used on certain platforms.
Reel (Used on Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram): Short-form video content, often edited and shared publicly
Story: Temporary photo or video posts that disappear after 24 hours
Snap (Used on Snapchat): A disappearing image or video sent via Snapchat
DM: Direct message – a private chat between users
Streak: A Snapchat feature that encourages daily messaging between users
Tag: Mentioning another user in a post or comment, often using the ‘@’ symbol
Hashtag: A keyword or phrase preceded by ‘#’ used to group content by topic
Filter: A visual effect applied to photos or videos, often used to enhance appearance
Livestream: Broadcasting video content live to followers or the public
Platform-specific safety hubs for parents and carers
These official hubs provide tools, guidance, and settings to help manage your child’s safety on popular platforms. If you don’t spot the safety hub for your child’s preferred app, then it’s a good idea to check apps that your child uses and the safety hubs / settings that those apps may have.
Link: parents.snapchat.com
Offers: Guides, tools, and the Family Centre for monitoring teen activity.
Features:
- Family Centre for monitoring interactions
- Location sharing off by default for teens
- Bitmoji avatars to protect identity
Link: support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy
Offers: Explains TikTok’s safety features, Family Pairing, and privacy settings.
Features:
- Restricted Mode for content filtering
- Family Pairing to link parent and teen accounts
- Private accounts by default for 13–16-year-olds
- Message limits for non-followers
Link: about.instagram.com/community/parents
Offers: Supervision tools, safety tips, and educational resources.
Features:
- Supervision Tools for account oversight
- Hidden Words filter to block offensive content
- Sensitive content controls
- Built-in protections for teen accounts
Link: youtube.com/kids/parent-resources
Offers: Parental controls, content filters, and screen time settings.
Features:
- YouTube Kids app with curated content
- Restricted Mode for mature content filtering
- Supervised accounts for older children
- Disabled comments on child-directed videos
Link: facebook.com/help/1079477105456277
Offers: Privacy settings, supervision tools, and guidance on reporting.
Features:
- Control over who can post, tag, and comment
- Tools to block, report, and delete messages
Link: help.x.com/en/safety-and-security
Offers: Tools for managing privacy, blocking, and filtering content.
Features:
- Private account settings
- Blocking, reporting, and muting tools
- Controls for who can message, tag, or view posts
Where to get help
If your child needs support or encounters something worrying online, there are trusted resources available:
- NSPCC Helpline: For guidance and support on all issues affecting children
- Childline’s Online Safety Hub: Offers advice on staying safe, managing wellbeing, and dealing with online challenges
- Report Remove Tool: If a child has shared a sexual image or someone is threatening to share one, they can use this tool to try to get it removed from the internet
- Childline Counsellors: Available via phone, 1-2-1 chat, or email for children who need someone to talk to
You can help us to support more families.
