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Social media tips and trends

See how social media is evolving, its impact on young people, and practical ways to help them stay safe while making the most out of their online interactions.

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Social Media: What’s new, what’s changing, and what parents need to know

Social media is constantly changing, with new apps, trends, and features being released all the time. For children and young people, it’s an exciting space where they connect, share, and explore.

For parents, staying up-to-date on these changes can feel a bit overwhelming. This page breaks down some of the basics to help you understand what’s going on in your child’s online world—and how you can support them.

Remember when Facebook was the big thing? Now, children are using a range of platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and even newer apps that offer filters and ways to share short videos. Each app requires children to adapt the way they interact and share based on the features available and what is considered the ‘norm’ on the platform.

Spend a few minutes exploring any app your child uses. This way, you’ll understand how it works and be able to talk to them about it more easily.

Private sharing is on the rise

In the past, social media was all about public posts, but more and more children are using private messaging platforms or “close friends” lists to share content with people they trust. While this may be better than going public, talking to children about what they post privately is just as important as content can be saved and shared more widely.

While sharing with close friends and using private messaging can make social media feel safer, there are still a few things to watch out for:

Mixed signals: Misunderstandings happen, even with friends! When texting, it’s easy for things to get lost in translation. Without facial expressions or tone of voice, messages can be misinterpreted.

Leaving a digital trail: Even if a message feels private, it can still be saved, screenshotted, or even shared with others. Remind children to be careful about what they send, since there’s always a chance it could be seen by someone else.

Drama and cyberbullying: Although it’s less likely in private chats, cyberbullying can still happen among friends. It’s a good idea to remind kids to be respectful and kind, even when they’re messaging one-on-one.

Social media wellbeing tools

Apps like Instagram and TikTok now offer options to track screen time, limit notifications, and give reminders to take breaks. This can be useful for helping kids manage how much time they’re spending online.

Sit down with your child to explore these features together. Setting screentime goals with children can make it easier for them to stick to healthy habits.

Impact on self-image

Social media is full of filtered pictures and carefully chosen posts, which can sometimes negatively impact children’s body image, particularly for young girls according to our digital wellbeing research. The constant pressure to get likes and positive comments can affect their self-esteem.

Talk to your child about how social media only shows the highlights of people’s lives. Remind them that everyone, including influencers, goes through ups and downs that don’t make it online.

Safety and privacy

Social media apps collect a lot of data, like location and browsing history, to customise the user experience. This is why privacy settings are so important for keeping your child’s information safe.

Review privacy settings with your child every few months. Help them understand why it’s best to keep personal information, like their location, private.

Cyberbullying and online drama

Unfortunately, online drama and bullying are still major issues, especially for kids and teens. Much of this happens through private messages, group chats, or on “close friends” lists, which can make it tougher to spot signs of trouble. Unlike public posts, these private spaces allow harmful behaviour to go unnoticed and can make it easier for kids to feel isolated when dealing with conflict.

What to look out for: Signs of cyberbullying aren’t always obvious, but there are some behaviours to watch for. If your child suddenly seems anxious, avoids their phone, or becomes withdrawn, it could indicate they’re dealing with negative online interactions.

How to help: Start by creating a safe space for open conversations. Reassure your child that they can talk to you about anything they experience online, without fear of judgement or overreaction. Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or bullied, and remind them it’s okay to “mute” or “block” people who are causing problems—even if they’re friends.

Handling conflict together: Kids often need guidance on how to handle conflicts online. Talk to them about healthy ways to communicate when they feel upset and help them understand the importance of respect and empathy, even if they disagree with someone.

Underage use of social media

Most social media platforms have age limits, usually 13 or older, to protect younger users from content that might not be suitable. But a lot of kids still find ways to sign up early, sometimes by changing their birthdate.

The problem with this is that platforms have built-in safety settings for younger users, like stricter privacy controls, limits on who can contact them, and filters to block inappropriate content. If your child enters the wrong age, they might miss out on these important protections.

Why It Matters: When children lie about their age, they might end up with less privacy and more exposure to things like strangers messaging them or seeing content that isn’t age-appropriate. These default safety settings are there to help keep them safe, and without them, they’re more vulnerable online.

Tip for Parents: Have a conversation with children about why it’s important to be honest about their age online. These safety features are there for a reason. If a child really wants to use social media before they’re old enough, look for apps made for younger kids that are designed to be safer. It’s also a good idea to set up some ground rules together about social media use so they know what’s expected.

What online safety regulations mean for social media safety

In the UK, Ofcom is the watchdog that makes sure social media platforms follow rules to keep things safe, especially for younger users. They help enforce things like privacy, safety standards, and content moderation to make sure platforms are doing their part to protect kids from harmful stuff online.

Now, social media sites are required to do more to keep things safe—like providing better privacy settings, making content easier to filter, and giving parents tools to help protect their kids.

Tip for parents: It’s good to stay updated on what Ofcom is doing and how it affects the apps your child uses. Many social media platforms have added new tools, like privacy settings and reporting options, to follow these safety rules. Get to know these features so you can help your child use them and stay safe online.

Helping children use social media safely and smartly

Keeping up with social media trends may feel like a challenge, but by staying informed, you can help your child have a safer, more positive experience. Here are a few extra tips:

Agree on how to best manage screen time on social media and be open to adjusting them as they grow.

Talk about the importance of respect and how to handle conflicts in a positive way.

Ask about the apps they’re using, and let them teach you what’s popular.

Encourage your child to question what they see online and remember that not everything is as it seems.

Supporting resources

See the latest arcticles on social media online safety issues and find resources to support children and young people.