At what age can my child start social networking?

As a parent it’s important you know that all social networking platforms (or social networking apps, if on a smartphone) have age limits. Some social networks use technologies that may not be right for some ages or engage with communities that are made up of people much older than your child.

Minimum age on popular social platforms

This guide to the most common social networks your child might be on serves as a guide. Each link will take you to the age reference page of the social networking platform.

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What are the risks of an underage social networking account?

Many sites include an instant message function that allows private conversations between site members.
Most social networking sites have an app version available, meaning your child will have access to the social network from their smartphone or tablet. Some app versions of social networks use the location of the phone.
Information shared between friends can be easily copied and may spread.
It isn’t easy to take back information that has been posted – and can be impossible if it’s already been shared.
Not everyone your child meets online will be who they say they are. Chatrooms and forums can connect people who are complete strangers and can be unmoderated.
Chatrooms and forums are some of the places online groomers go to connect with children. They can also be places where people use a lot of sexual language and engage in online flirting. This is sometimes done through video chat programs.

Here are some age-appropriate social media apps for younger kids that you may find useful.

What can I/my child do if there is something inappropriate?

Most social networking platforms have a reporting function. See our social networking page for more information and specific links to some of the most popular platform reporting links.