Should Kids Be Banned From Social Media Until 16? My Problem With This Parenting Advice

Should kids be banned from social media until they’re 16?I think we’re asking the wrong question.I believe delaying social media can absolutely be part of protecting kids online. But simply keeping your child off Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or another platform until a certain age doesn’t automatically prepare them for what happens when they eventually get online.In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I explain why I think parents should wait as long as makes sense for their child before introducing social media while ALSO using that time to teach the skills they’ll need once they have access.Because your child’s online world is much bigger than the apps we traditionally call “social media.”Kids communicate through online games, Discord, shared documents, playlists, messaging features, AI chatbots, and platforms adults may not even think of as social media. New apps and technologies will continue to appear, which is why protecting kids online can’t depend on banning every potentially risky platform.Instead, we need to prepare kids to navigate them.We talk about how parents can help kids recognize safe and unsafe people, trust their gut when something feels wrong, navigate uncomfortable situations, identify trusted adults, develop self-confidence, and feel safe enough to tell you what’s actually happening online.I also explain why your teen’s perspective matters even when you ultimately make the decision as the parent.If we want kids to understand that their voice matters, that their “no” matters, and that they can speak up when someone makes them uncomfortable, we also have to create spaces where their opinions are heard at home.So should you wait before giving your child social media? I think waiting as long as possible can be a great choice.But don’t just wait.Prepare them while you wait.Because eventually the platform will change, the technology will change, and your child will get older. The safety skills, communication, connection, and trust you build with them can go wherever they go.Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: [email protected]. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at [email protected] or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead!