Social media resources
Take a look at the latest gaming resources to help you navigate the world of online video games, from setting parental controls to finding suitable games for your children.
Social media safety tools and resources
Discover valuable resources to help children and young people socialise safely online while making the most of their digital experiences.
Here are tech tools and parental control guides that you can use to set screen time limits on devices and platforms and monitor how your child is using their device to help them build good online habits. It’s always good to sit down together with your child to discuss how you’ll be using these so they feel part of the decision-making process.
- Social media privacy guides
- Supervision tools to monitor children’s interactions
- Smartphones and other devices’ parental controls
- Entertainment, gaming and search engine control guides
- Google safety tools for families
Get bespoke safety advice on the most popular social media platforms that children use to make your child aware of community guidelines and how to report and block inappropriate content.
Get advice and insights on the most popular social media apps and platforms that children use.
Here is a list of PDF social media resource downloads to use with children to help them learn how to communicate on social media and stay safe.
- Social media checklist for parents – how to get children ready for social media
- Social media check-in – a guide to having meaningful conversations with children about socialising online
- Can I have a social media account? – things to consider before children get on social media
- Am I ready for social media? – guide to help neurodivergent children decide if they are ready for social media
These screen time tools and reminders offer a balanced approach, allowing children to enjoy social media responsibly while parents stay involved and supportive.
Instagram: Take a break and daily limit
- Take a Break: Instagram prompts users to take a break if they’ve been scrolling for an extended period. Parents can encourage their teens to set this feature to promote healthier screen habits.
- Daily Limit: Parents and teens can set a daily time limit for Instagram, which sends a reminder once the limit is reached. This helps teens become more aware of their usage.
- How to Enable: Go to Settings > Your Activity > Time Spent and set Manage Your Time options. Learn more about Instagram’s time management tools.
TikTok: Screen Time Management and Digital Wellbeing
- Screen Time Management: Parents can set a daily time limit on TikTok. Once the limit is reached, a passcode is required to extend usage.
- Digital Wellbeing: TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing feature offers screen time reminders and Restricted Mode, filtering mature content for a safer viewing experience.
- How to Enable: Under Settings and Privacy > Digital Wellbeing, parents can set Screen Time Management and Restricted Mode (can be set up through Family Pairing). Learn more about TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing.
YouTube: Screen Time Reminders and YouTube Kids
- Take a Break Reminders: YouTube’s reminders allow users to set a periodic prompt to take breaks from watching videos, which can help children and teens pace their time on the platform.
- YouTube Kids: For younger children, YouTube Kids has built-in time limits that parents can control to ensure balanced screen time.
- How to Enable: On regular YouTube, go to Settings > General > Remind me to take a break. In YouTube Kids, access the Parental Settings to set limits. Learn more about screen time on YouTube.
Snapchat: Screen Time with Device-Based Tools
- While Snapchat doesn’t have built-in screen time limits, parents can use device-based tools like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link (Android) to manage time spent on Snapchat.
- How to Enable: For iOS users, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits and set limits for Snapchat. For Android users, use Google Family Link to manage time for individual apps.
These tools are available on devices and allow you to manage apps, set daily screen time limits, and lock devices when needed. It’s a great way to oversee usage across all apps, including social media.
- Apple Screen Time (iOS): Parents can manage app usage, set downtime, and block explicit content. Learn more about Apple Screen Time.
- Google Family Link (Android): This app enables parents to set screen time limits, manage apps, and lock devices for younger users. Learn more about Google Family Link.
Should children block their bullies?
In some situations, it might be best to encourage your child to block or unfriend the person who caused them hurt, particularly if they’re an anonymous user or not known to your child. Your child might be reluctant to do this if they consider the person a ‘friend’ or they know the person from school or the local community. Revisit what it means to be a friend and talk about healthy online relationships.
And, remember that most social media platforms give you options for reporting or flagging content that breaches their user guidelines. Be aware that the thresholds for offensive content varies according to the social network, game or app.
Should your child need extra support, counselling or mentoring to cope with an online safety issue then these organisations may be able to provide advice and services.
Tips to use screentime tools effectively
Set realistic time limits: Discuss with your child a reasonable daily limit for each platform. For example, 30 minutes on TikTok or an hour on Instagram can be a healthy starting point.
Encourage breaks during long sessions: Apps like Instagram and YouTube can remind users to take breaks. Setting these reminders creates natural pauses that help reduce overstimulation.
Monitor screen time together: Regularly reviewing screen time reports with your child fosters accountability and helps them become aware of their habits.
Promote quality over quantity: Encourage your child to focus on engaging positively with friends or learning something new on social media rather than mindless scrolling.
Incorporate offline activities: Use screen time limits as a way to balance digital and offline experiences, promoting activities like reading, hobbies, or family time.
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