Digital Parenting: How to Build Better Social Media Habits for Kids?

Jun 16, 2025 | Parental Controls, Parenting Tips and advices

Social media plays a significant role in the lives of children today. However, it can have both positive and negative effects. While it helps kids learn and connect, it can also cause anxiety or distract them. Therefore, as parents, we must guide our children in developing healthy social media habits.

1. Follow a Variety of Accounts

Many kids follow only their friends or celebrities. As a result, their view of the world is limited. To change this, encourage your child to follow different types of accounts.

For example, they can follow educational pages, hobby groups, or accounts from other cultures. In addition, this helps them understand diverse perspectives. Thus, they avoid narrow thinking and unhealthy comparisons.

2. Notice How Social Media Makes Them Feel

Kids often scroll without thinking. However, feelings matter a lot. Teach your child to pause and check in with themselves.

Ask questions like:

“Do you feel happy or sad after using this app?”
“Does this content stress or relax you?”
“Are you comparing yourself to others?”

If they often feel bad, encourage them to take breaks or make changes in who they follow. Over time, this builds emotional awareness and healthier habits.

3. Set Device-Free Times Every Day

Excessive screen time can negatively impact sleep and mood. Therefore, set device-free periods during the day.

For example:

No phones at meals
Screens off an hour before bed
Tech-free time on weekends

As a result, children have the opportunity to relax and connect face-to-face. As a result, they develop better social and focus skills.

4. Keep Their Feed Positive

Harmful content can hurt kids’ self-esteem. So, help your child clean up their feed.

They should:

Unfollow toxic or harmful accounts
Follow inspiring and positive creators
Report or block bad users

When the feed is positive, social media feels safer and more supportive. In the long run, this boosts confidence.

5. Use the FamilyTime Parental Control App

Sometimes kids need extra help managing screen time. In those cases, the FamilyTime app is very useful.

With FamilyTime, parents can:

Set daily app limits
Block harmful sites
Schedule device-free hours
Track location

Because of these tools, parents create clear boundaries. Meanwhile, kids learn responsibility and balance.

What to Do If Social Media Becomes a Problem

If you notice your child is always online or seems upset, start a calm talk. Instead of blaming, ask about their experience.

Work Together to Create a Plan

First, listen to their feelings and concerns. Then, share your worries kindly. Together, decide on limits and new habits.

You might:

Set daily screen time goals
Use FamilyTime for monitoring
Plan offline activities

When kids help build the plan, they follow it better. Also, they feel respected and involved.

Conclusion

Social media isn’t all bad. However, it needs healthy limits. With your help, your child can enjoy the benefits safely.

To do this:

Encourage following diverse, positive accounts
Teach emotional awareness while using apps
Set device-free times daily
Use FamilyTime for structure and support

In conclusion, these steps help your child stay balanced and happy online for now and in the future. For more interested topics please visit FamilyTime blog.