Social media advice hub
Social media is where children connect, share and chat.
Help make it safer and fun with quick tips on privacy settings, smart sharing and the best ways to stay in the loop on their activity.
Quick tips
5 social media tips to set children up for success
Here are five top tips to help children manage how they share and chat with others on popular social media platforms.
Go through privacy settings with children on all social media platforms they use. Make sure their profiles are private, and only people they know personally can view their posts or send them messages. Teach them the importance of controlling who can access their information.
We have a range of step-by-step parental controls guides for social media to help.
Remind children that once something is posted, it can be difficult to take back. Encourage them to think carefully before sharing personal information like their location, school, or family details. Explain that it’s better to share with close friends or family than to make something public.
Encourage children to only accept friend or follow requests from people they know in real life. Explain that not everyone online is who they say they are, and it’s safer to keep their online connections limited to people they know offline.
Use the built-in parental controls and monitoring features available on most social media platforms to keep an eye on their activity. Check-in regularly to see who they are interacting with and what kind of content they’re engaging with, but ensure it’s done with respect for their privacy.
Teach children the importance of being kind and respectful online. Remind them that what they say or post can affect others, and they should always treat others with respect, avoid engaging in negative behaviour, and know when it’s appropriate to block or report someone who makes them uncomfortable.
Your online safety questions, answered by experts
We’ve partnered with JAAQ to give you clear, practical advice from leading experts in video form. Select a question below and watch tailored answers to help you protect children online.
Top questions from parents on social media
Navigate to our expert resources to answer some of the top questions parents have about social media.
How to deal with top social media concerns
Read advice on how to deal with online issues that children may face on social media platforms.
If children experience bullying or harassment online, encourage them to report it immediately, block the offender, and speak to a trusted adult for support.
Children may unknowingly share personal information. Help them set strong privacy settings and explain why it’s important to limit the information they share publicly.
Explain how scammers and hackers can trick people online, often through fake offers or phishing attempts. Encourage children to never click on suspicious links, share passwords, or respond to messages from strangers. Always report anything that feels off.
Social media can create unrealistic standards. Encourage children to be themselves and remind them that social media often doesn’t reflect real life, including people’s appearances and lifestyles.
Excessive screen time can interfere with other activities. Set time limits for social media use and encourage breaks to balance online and offline time.
Teach children to question what they see online, check the sources, and avoid sharing information they haven’t verified. Remind them that just because something’s posted doesn’t mean it’s true—if they’re unsure, encourage them to ask a trusted adult.
With concerns raised about how social media and tech play a role in teens sharing images, our Internet Matters expert panel provides their advice on teens and sexting, sending, and sharing nudes.
Supporting children with additional needs
A child with additional needs might see social media as a way to connect with others, especially if they find offline interactions challenging. Children can also explore their identity, find supportive environments and socialise in ways that might not be accessible offline.
However, research shows that children with additional needs are often more likely to experience harm online. Some harmful people might seek out children with additional needs because they might be less willing to tell a parent or less likely to recognise manipulation.
Explore the following tips to support your child’s use of social media.
Use parental controls to manage who can message your child, thereby reducing unwanted contact from strangers.
Some children with additional needs might see follower counts as a sign of others liking them or a sign of popularity. This could lead them to accept follow requests from people they do not know to increase their follower count.
Review follow requests together and set up rules for approval by you before adding new followers.
If your child struggles with executive function or transitioning between activities due to their additional needs, it can be easy to lose track of time on social media.
Set clear boundaries like how much time they can spend on an app. Write these boundaries down and display the as a reminder.
Watch out for any mood changes your child might exhibit after being on social media.
While your child may not always be able to explain what is upsetting them, asking them to recount their experience can help you understand what is affecting them so you can support them.
Set aside moments to ask your child about their experience, including what they enjoy and any issues they might have experienced.
For a child who is anxious or sensitive to rejection, knowing that you will check-in can make it easier for them to share.
Activities to do
Explore these activities to help your child develop key skills for staying safe on social media.
Looking to support a child with other needs?
Our research shows that children who are care-experienced or part of the LGBTQ+ community are also more likely to experience online risks.
Visit our hubs to get tailored advice to help them stay safe on social media.
Supporting resources
See the latest arcticles on social media online safety issues and find resources to support children and young people.
Research
Growing up online: creating safer, age-appropriate digital experiences for children
We respond to the government's consultation, 'Growing up in the online world'.
Expert opinion
What you need to know about your child’s digital footprint
Learn what makes up your child's digital footprint and how you can manage it as they grow.
News & blogs
What is looksmaxxing? Online safety guidance for parents
Looksmaxxing is a trend which encourages people to put appearance above all else, sometimes at the risk of their own health.
News & blogs
What is monetisation? Online safety guidance for parents
Monetisation is how content creators earn money through social media. Views and engagement earn creators money.
Parent stories
How I use app parental controls to support my children on social media
Learn why regularly reviewing social media apps, settings and permissions can help spot risks early and support safer online habits for children.