It’s 2025, and the world our kids are growing up in is unrecognisable from the one we grew up in. One of the biggest changes? The role social media plays in their lives. My kids are still young—Harrison is 13, Alexander is 12, Benjamin is 10, and Elizabeth is 5—but social media is already creeping in. Whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, or even TikTok, it feels like every child is living in a world where social media is part of the landscape, and it raises an important question: how much is too much?

As a parent, the tension is real. On the one hand, social media can be a fun way for kids to stay connected, be creative, and even learn new things. But on the other hand, it can also be a platform for negative influences, unrealistic expectations, and too much screen time. So, how do we manage it all? How do we find the right balance? Here’s how I’m approaching it with my own kids.

Social Media and Our Family

Let’s start with Harrison, my eldest. He’s a teen now, and we’ve been talking a lot about social media lately. Harrison has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. While he’s had his Facebook and Instagram accounts for a while, Snapchat has been more recent. He uses these platforms to connect with friends, share updates, and keep up with trends.

But even with all that, I find myself constantly monitoring his use. Sure, there are educational benefits—he’s learning video editing, creative skills, and even some coding. But I’ve had to be careful not to let him get swept up in the darker side of social media, like unrealistic beauty standards, bullying, and that addictive scroll.

Then there’s Alex, my sporty adventurer. Alex doesn’t have the same pull towards social media as Harrison. He’s more focused on his sports and outdoor adventures. While he does watch highlights of his favourite teams on YouTube, he’s not really interested in workout routines or fitness content. But that doesn’t mean he’s immune to the influences of social media, especially when it comes to sports culture and body image. We make sure we talk about the impact of what he’s consuming online.

With Benjamin, now 10, he’s in that stage where he’s becoming more aware of social media. He watches YouTube channels and loves gaming content, but I keep a close eye on what he’s watching. We’ve talked about screen time and appropriate content, and while he’s not on social media in the same way as his older brothers, I know that the time is coming soon when he’ll want more access. For now, we limit his screen time and make sure that what he’s consuming is positive and educational.

With Elizabeth, she’s still a little too young for social media in any real sense. But I can already see the temptation. It’s hard to avoid when social media is everywhere, and their peers are already starting to get involved. But for now, we’re holding off. I want to let her be a kid for as long as possible before she enters that world.

The Pros of Social Media: The Good Stuff

Okay, so let’s be fair—social media isn’t all bad. There are actually some great things that come from being online, and I’ve seen the positives in Harrison, Alex, and Benjamin’s experiences:

1. Creativity – Harrison’s started creating his own videos. He’s learning how to edit, use different effects, and express himself through content. You can’t deny the creativity that comes with platforms like YouTube.
2. Connection – Especially during the pandemic, social media helped the kids stay connected with friends. Harrison and Alexander both communicate with their peers through gaming apps and even shared experiences like virtual study sessions and online gaming tournaments.
3. Learning Opportunities – YouTube is full of educational channels, from science experiments to history documentaries. Harrison has spent hours on YouTube learning about the tech behind the games he plays. It’s fascinating how much you can learn through social media if you know where to look.
4. A Sense of Belonging – Some kids, like Harrison, thrive in online communities where they can find others with similar interests. It’s an important space for them to feel validated and heard.

The Cons: The Flip Side of the Coin

Of course, social media isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. As much as I want to let my kids have freedom online, there are definitely dangers that come with it.

1. The Comparison Trap – One of the biggest issues with social media is the unrealistic expectations it sets. Kids (and adults!) are constantly bombarded with the highlight reels of others’ lives. We talk a lot in our house about the difference between “real life” and what people post online. But, even then, it’s hard for the kids to escape the pressure, especially Harrison and Alex, who are at an age where they’re trying to figure out who they are in the world.
2. Cyberbullying – No one wants their kids to be exposed to cyberbullying. The idea that something hurtful can be posted online and shared with a large group so quickly is terrifying. We’re very open about this in our house, and I’m always reminding Harrison about the importance of being kind and respectful online.
3. Addiction to Screen Time – Social media can be a major time suck, and I’m sure I’m not the only parent who’s ever had to say, “Put the phone down!” for the umpteenth time. It’s easy for kids to get lost in scrolling, especially if they’re not being mindful of their time online. We try to create balance in our family, but I’ll admit it’s a constant challenge.
4. Privacy and Safety – With younger kids like Benjamin and Elizabeth, the risks are even more concerning. I’m hyper-aware of how much personal information they share online, even in innocent ways, like location tags or pictures. It’s something I try to keep on top of, especially as they get older and more independent.

So, How Much is Too Much?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Every child is different, and every family has different boundaries. But for us, it’s about balance. We want our kids to experience the benefits of social media—the creativity, the connection, and the learning opportunities—but we also want to protect them from the risks.

Here’s what we’ve found works for us:

• Setting Boundaries – We limit screen time and make sure there’s a balance of offline activities.
• Keeping Open Communication – We have regular talks about what they’re doing online, what they’re watching, and who they’re talking to.
• Setting Up Parental Controls – This helps us feel confident that they’re only accessing appropriate content.
• Being Role Models – I try to model healthy social media habits myself. The more mindful we are of our own online habits, the more they’ll understand the importance of balance.

Final Thoughts

Social media is here to stay, but it doesn’t have to take over our kids’ lives. As parents, it’s our job to find the right balance and set healthy boundaries that protect our kids while still allowing them to enjoy the benefits that come with being online. It’s a tough job, but I’m doing my best, and I know I’m not alone in this.