PARENTING: Talking to your kids about social media safety

March 31, 2026 - 07:19

A recent California jury verdict, finding tech giants liable for mental health harms to children, has cast a stark new light on the digital landscape. This pivotal moment offers parents a critical opening to engage in essential, ongoing dialogues with their children about online safety and well-being.

Child behavioral experts emphasize that these conversations should move beyond simple warnings. They recommend a proactive, collaborative approach. Begin by asking your child to show you their favorite apps and explain what they enjoy about them. This fosters openness, making them more receptive to guidance.

Discuss the importance of privacy settings and the permanence of online posts. Explain that not everyone is who they claim to be and encourage skepticism towards requests from strangers. Crucially, address the curated nature of social media, helping kids understand that feeds often showcase unrealistic highlights, not everyday reality.

Set clear, agreed-upon boundaries for screen time and usage. Most importantly, keep the door open for continuous talk. Assure your child they can always come to you with questions or if they encounter something upsetting online, without fear of losing device privileges. This foundation of trust is the strongest tool for navigating the digital world safely.