SOCIAL MEDIA & KIDS
Social media gives kids and teens ways to connect, create, learn, and share. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter) are now part of many young people’s everyday lives.
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But social media also comes with challenges. Helping kids use it well starts with understanding what they experience online and keeping the conversation open.
How Kids Use Social Media
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Connect with friends and family
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Share photos, videos, and creative content
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Follow trends, creators, and interests
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Discover information and learn new things
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Join communities and conversations
How Kids Use Social Media
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Connect with friends and family
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Share photos, videos, and creative content
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Follow trends, creators, and interests
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Discover information and learn new things
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Join communities and conversations
Benefits & Risks
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Social media can offer:
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Connection and community
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Creativity and self-expression
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Learning and discovery
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It can also bring:
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Cyberbullying and online conflict
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Social comparison and pressure
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Privacy and oversharing risks
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Harmful or misleading content
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Difficulty disconnecting from screens
What Parents Can Do
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Ask what apps your child uses and what they enjoy about them
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Talk regularly about their online experiences
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Teach kids to question what they see and share
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Review privacy settings and remind them to protect personal information
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Pay attention to how social media affects their mood and relationships
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