How parents can help their kids stay connected safely

As the ban on social media for under-16s fast approaches, children are already worried about losing contact with their friends. But while the onus is on social media platforms to act, researchers at the University of South Australia say the real battle will be at home, where parents will have to enforce the rules, manage their children’s reactions and help them cope.

Child safety and wellbeing expert Lesley-Anne Ey, Associate Professor at UniSA, says the key to a smoother transition is education, reassurance and open, age-appropriate conversations. She offers practical advice to help parents achieve this.

The first step, she says, is to understand why social platforms are important to children.

“Many children and adolescents use apps like Snapchat and TikTok to connect with their friends. They have grown up with this technology (it is part of who they are) and they are used to communicating via videos, emojis, photos and filters,” explains Associate Professor Ey.

“When the ban comes into effect, children may feel like they are facing a social penalty because they will no longer be able to communicate with their friends in the same way.

“The fear of losing contact with friends is real, so parents will need to ask questions and show understanding and empathy for what their children will perceive as a loss.

“Think about other ways to stay connected. If they like TikTok dances, an app like ‘Just Dance’ might be right for them; if they want to chat, use closed group chats or messaging apps; and if they like gaming, find multiplayer games where they can connect safely.

“Supporting children in this process is about empathy and keeping lines of communication open.”

From December 10, major social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Reddit, must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. While the new legislation aims to protect children from harmful content, Associate Professor Ey says its success depends on what happens at home, through education and consistent guidance.

“Parents should talk to their children about online safety: why it is important to protect personal information such as your full name, address and passwords; who you can communicate with and how to behave with kindness and respect,” she says.

“They should also teach children to think before posting anything – photos, comments or information – because once something is online, you can’t take it down.

“Young brains are particularly vulnerable to social media because they crave feedback and attention from their peers. This makes them more likely to take risks or react quickly without thinking about the consequences.

“Encourage children to ask themselves, ‘Would I say this to someone’s face?’ or “Would I show this to my mother?” before posting or commenting. If the answer is “no”, then it is probably not appropriate. »

With rates of online bullying, coercion and sextortion increasing, researchers say it is critical that parents take this ban seriously.

“Banning social media is not ‘safetyism’ or evidence of a ‘Nanni State’; it is an essential measure to protect children from online predators and risks,” says Associate Professor Ey.

“Parents should educate themselves about the platforms and games their children are using so they can have informed conversations. Ongoing, non-judgmental dialogue is essential.”

Because children tend to imitate adults’ behavior, parents can also be powerful role models.

“Avoid screen time yourself and arrange screen-free time for the whole family, such as dinner and bedtime. This makes boundaries predictable and shows your children what a healthy balance looks like,” says Associate Professor Ey.

“Connect with your kids. Show them how you can have fun together, whether it’s board games, movie nights, or taking advantage of summer time for an after-dinner bike ride.

“The convenience of screens and social media has taken its toll. Perhaps we all need to go back in time and remember what life was like before screens. It’s time we took control – for our own sake, and for the safety and well-being of our children.”

What parents need to know to guide their children through the social media ban:

• Get informed on new platforms and trends—Children quickly access new applications. Keep an eye on and talk about emerging platforms before your child joins them: explore the platforms, games and media that children are using and explore the benefits and risks of these.
• Educating children about online safety—Talk openly about the benefits and risks of the Internet, what is safe to share, how to protect personal information, and what to do if something online makes them uncomfortable and even if they think they’ve done something wrong online. They need to know that you are always there to help them, even if they have done something wrong.
• Have open, age-appropriate conversations—Talk about what they do and see online and how they feel. Stay open and provide a safe place to share
• Understand and show empathy—Recognize your child’s feelings of loss of freedom or control. Let them know you understand, but explain to them that safety and their well-being come first.
• Model healthy behavior—Be balanced in your own screen use and set screen-free periods for the whole family (like during dinner or before bed).
• Create consistent routines—Make boundaries predictable with regular habits, such as technology-free zones or times.
• Encourage alternatives— Support offline hobbies, sports and entertainment to keep children socially connected in healthier ways. Organize connections with family or peers, like movie or game nights.