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A Parent’s Guide to Ensuring Your Teen’s Safety on Social Media

Jamie Hairston
6 min readMay 8, 2024

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*This article has been co-authored with Sarah Tapia; more information can be found in the references below.

Welcome back to our short series on teens and social media. Yesterday, we explored social media’s significant impact on teenagers’ lives.

Building on that foundation, today’s post empowers parents with practical strategies to guide their teens through these digital waters safely and wisely. With the pervasive influence of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, parents play a crucial role in establishing guidelines that promote healthy usage habits.

Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels

From setting clear rules to fostering open communication, we will discuss comprehensive measures to protect your teen from the pitfalls of social media. These measures include establishing clear guidelines for social media use, monitoring their online activities, and educating them about online safety. By enhancing their online experiences, we aim to help you ensure your teen’s safety in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Establish Clear Rules and Boundaries

Social media should not interfere with essential activities such as homework, sleep, or family interactions. Set specific guidelines, such as no social media until homework is completed and…

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Jamie Hairston
Jamie Hairston

Written by Jamie Hairston

Jamie is a former addiction counselor who now writes fiction about substance abuse and mental health issues.

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