Social media can be a major worry for parents in the modern world. Although it can seem like a part of life in the modern world, many parents are aware that it also has negatives, especially for young people. 

• Dependency and struggling to control their usage – social media interfaces are designed to be addictive, and many social media feeds have ‘endless scroll’. This is when the algorithm finds more and more content to show so the user never reaches the end of the feed. 
• Disrupted sleep and later bedtimes – with an impact on overall health and schoolwork. 
• Comparing themselves to others – creating issues with body image, or believing that they are missing out, compared to the idealised versions of others’ lives they see online. 
• Excessive social media use is associated with higher levels of depression. 
• ‘Doom scrolling’ – when users get sucked into browsing negative or upsetting content, affecting their state of mind. 
• Algorithms may gradually move towards showing content that is polarised or ideologically driven – young people may not realise how their worldview is being affected. 
• Violent, sexual or inappropriate content. 
• Cyber bullying. 
• Grooming. 

Social media can be a source of support and connection, particularly for vulnerable teenagers. This can include young people who are isolated, don’t fit in with their peer group, or have experienced trauma or difficult family situations.  

The internet can provide outlets or safe spaces where they can find support and find people they really connect with – such as groups or pages for special interests or personal circumstances. 

Using social media in moderation when they reach an appropriate age can give your teen these connections while avoiding some of the problems of excessive use.

Many social media platforms have an age restriction of 13+ – this includes Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook. Many children have bypassed age restrictions to sign up, however, doing this is not advisable for their safety and well-being 

In the UK, social media will be banned for under-16s from Spring 2027 under a new law. Find out more on the government’s social media ban factsheet.  

If your child is aged 13-16, and they create a social media account now, they will no longer be able to use it when the ban comes into effect. You might need to take this into consideration when you decide whether to let them create an account.

Your teen is more likely to listen to you if you show understanding of why they want to use social media and what they get from using it. If you have some awareness of the online world, you are also in a better place to be able to spot warning signs that something’s not right with your teen’s usage. 

It’s important to have open conversations about the issues with social media and the types of content they might come across. This helps prepare them and lets them know you are someone they can come to if they see something that makes them uncomfortable.

Children learn by example, so try to model positive behaviour and stick to the same boundaries you expect them to follow, such as having screen-free mealtimes. It’s really helpful to work out some shared rules together as a family. Children and teenagers are more likely to accept boundaries that have been negotiated than ones that have been imposed. 

Some boundaries to consider are: 

• Encourage social activities outside of the home, such as clubs or hobbies. 
• Set aside some phone-free family time, such as daily mealtimes and a weekly activity (this means you too!) 
• Encourage them to take part in physical activity and exercise – if they don’t enjoy sports, this could be family walks, going for a swim or to the gym. 
• Teenagers lead busy lives, but rest and relaxation is important too. You can make bedrooms tech-free zones, or not allow screens in the bedroom after a certain time. Again, this works best if you stick to the same rules yourself. 

• Young Minds has information for young people on social media and mental health
• The Mix offers information and support for young people on a range of issues, including counselling, an online community, YouTube channel and podcasts.

This page was reviewed by Rosemary Spillman, Head of National Services. Last reviewed October 2026.