Social Media
Our 60 Second Guide for Parents and Carers
In 2026, being a digital mentor is more effective than being a digital policeman. Here’s how to stay connected to your child’s online world.
Connect Before You Correct
- Be Curious: Ask for a "tour" of their favorite apps. Understand their algorithm.
- No "Phone Shaming": If they come to you with a problem, don't threaten to take the phone away. If you do, they’ll stop telling you when things go wrong.
- Lead by Example: If you want them off their phone at dinner, you have to put yours away too.
Tech Essentials
- AI Literacy: Remind them that "seeing isn't believing." Discuss how deepfakes and AI influencers work.
- Family Pairing: Use built-in tools (TikTok, Instagram) to set screen limits without reading their private DMs.
- The "Digital Footprint": Remind them that "deleted" doesn't mean "gone." If they wouldn't want a future employer to see it, don't post it.
The "Red Flag" Check
Watch for sudden secrecy, "mood crashes" after scrolling, or anxiety when they aren't near their device.