Guiding Your Teen Through the World of Social Media
As a Pediatrician, I know that for our teenagers, social media is their playground, their classroom, and their social hub all in one. Our role as parents isn’t to forbid it, but to guide them through it safely.
The research is clear: there’s a strong link between heavy social media use and emotional struggles in teens, such as anxiety and sadness. It can create a tough cycle. A teenager might turn to their phone when they feel lonely, but then seeing curated, perfect-looking lives online can make them feel worse. This is why the Indian Academy of Pediatrics advises that social media access should wait until after the age of 14.
So, how can we help our teens?
First, have open and honest conversations. Talk about “digital wellness”—what it means to be a kind and responsible person online. Discuss the importance of not comparing their real life to someone else’s online highlights.
Second, set boundaries together. Agree on a reasonable limit for recreational screen time, perhaps around two hours a day. Create “tech-free zones” in your home, especially the dinner table and, most importantly, the bedroom at night. A phone charging in the kitchen overnight protects precious sleep.
Finally, remember that you are their primary role model. Let them see you put your phone down and engage in hobbies and face-to-face conversations. By building a strong, open relationship, you can help your teen develop a healthy relationship with social media and the world around them.