Tips for creating best practices for your child’s social media use

In a pivotal legal ruling that could reshape social media’s relationship with young users, a California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for mental health harms caused to children on their platforms. The landmark verdict, the first of its kind focusing on social media addiction, has been celebrated by medical professionals and child safety advocates who see it as a potential catalyst for industry-wide reform.

“I am excited about the outcome of the litigation, in part because we’ve seen these platforms go unregulated for many years… and they didn’t really consider, that much, the effects on children,” said Carol Vidal, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

The case brings renewed attention to how families should approach social media usage, particularly for children and teenagers who may be most vulnerable to its potentially addictive design elements. Experts are now emphasizing the importance of constructive parent-child dialogue around digital consumption.

Despite the proliferation of articles, research, and advice on screen time management, specialists maintain that simple conversation remains the most effective tool parents have. By asking open-ended questions about what content children enjoy, which influencers they follow, and how various platforms make them feel, parents can gain valuable insights into their digital experiences.

“The best way to begin conversations is with open-ended questions and leaving space for teens to share their opinion,” explains Jenny Radesky, division director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. “By listening as a parent, it lets you peek under the hood to understand how your child is thinking about things. It’s way easier to solve a tricky problem when you really understand your child’s perspective, instead of just trying to force a new limit.”

Radesky suggests asking children about posts they encounter—whether funny, entertaining, concerning, or frustrating—as conversation starters. Such discussions can naturally lead to solutions like resetting feeds, limiting content to friends, or taking platform breaks when needed.

When establishing boundaries, experts caution against one-size-fits-all approaches. Rules framed around a child’s wellbeing rather than punishment tend to be more effective, as they help children understand the reasoning behind limitations. “As the parent, you know your kid best,” Radesky notes. “You’ve seen their anxious days. You’ve seen those days when they’re out of control. You know what really grabs their attention and what calms them down.”

Practical measures like setting timers, creating phone-free zones, or taking occasional multi-day breaks from social media can help children develop more intentional usage patterns. The key is tailoring solutions to individual needs and challenges. If social media disrupts sleep, keeping devices downstairs at night might help. For excessive scrolling, timed reminders can prompt breaks. When boredom drives usage, weekly family activities offer healthy alternatives.

The question of appropriate age for social media access continues to challenge parents. Most major platforms set minimum ages at 13 to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, though enforcement mechanisms remain limited. Some states have enacted legislation requiring parental consent for users under 16.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against social media use before age 13, with Radesky adding, “That doesn’t mean you need to start an account at age 13. Many kids benefit from waiting longer.” A growing movement called “Wait Until 8th” encourages parents to delay smartphone provision until eighth grade, when children are typically 13 or 14 years old.

Experts emphasize that parental modeling significantly influences children’s digital behavior. “The most powerful thing that parents can do is actually model good behaviors, because kids sometimes respond more to what they see than what they’re told,” says Vidal.

When parents must use phones around children, explaining the purpose—checking work emails, looking up recipes, paying bills—distinguishes necessary usage from mindless scrolling. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a free online family media planning tool that creates personalized recommendations.

“This is not just a problem that teens experience. The designs are in everyone’s feeds and everyone’s social media,” Radesky concludes. “So try to make a change together.”

As the legal and social landscape around social media continues to evolve following this precedent-setting verdict, the conversation about balancing technology’s benefits with its potential harms becomes increasingly crucial for families navigating the digital age.