How to Talk About Social Media (Not That Talk)
Let’s be honest: your kids probably know how to use Instagram better than you know how to cook. But it’s your job to make sure they don’t lose themselves when they’re busy getting likes. It’s not about telling kids what to do when you talk to them about social media. It’s about helping them deal with a world where popularity is measured, mistakes are permanent, and FOMO is always there.
Stop giving them “back in my day” lectures; they’ve heard them before and don’t care. Ask questions instead. What apps do they use? Who do they follow? What do they like and dislike about scrolling? This isn’t an interrogation; it’s a talk. The idea isn’t to get them off of social media; it’s to help them use it in a way that doesn’t make them feel worse about themselves.
After that, discuss about the idea of perfection. Social media is like a highlight reel, not real life. The child who tweets pictures of himself at the gym every day? Most likely missing leg day. The friend whose life appears like it’s not a vacation? Most likely worrying about filters for hours. Tell them that comparing is the thief of joy and that no number of likes will ever be “enough.”
Then, do something useful. Talk about privacy settings, the risks of revealing too much, and why they should never publish anything they wouldn’t want their grandma (or a potential employer) to see. Tell children that once something is online, they can’t control it, even if the messages go away. And please, for the love of Wi-Fi, make sure kids know that not everyone who says they are online is who they claim they are.
Last but not least, set an example. If you can’t stop looking at your phone over dinner or posting every little thing that happens in your life, they will notice. Because the best parenting happens offline, show children what a good relationship with technology looks like.
Social media isn’t going to go away, but with the correct help, your kids can learn how to use it without letting it use them. And who knows? Along the process, they might even teach you something.
