Today’s parents are concerned not only about their children’s physical health, but also about their online safety. Scientific studies show that careful adult supervision and thoughtful rules for using devices can significantly reduce the risks associated with excessive screen time and social media.
Researchers, including Dr Jason Nagata from the University of California, San Francisco, have analysed different approaches to regulating the use of social networks around the world. They concluded that parental oversight of children’s online habits is generally effective and helps to lessen the potential harm from gadgets.
Based on these findings, experts suggest five practical steps for parents.
1. Set clear rules for using devices
Experts advise agreeing basic rules even before a child gets their own smartphone: how much time they may spend in front of a screen, which apps are allowed, and at what times of day the phone is not to be used. One example could be limiting the downloading of new apps to those approved by parents, as well as setting time limits for individual programmes.
2. Keep phones away from the table and out of the child’s room at night
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using phones during meals and before bedtime. Studies cited by Nagata show that when families follow such rules, children spend less time on social media, show lower levels of dependence on it and encounter cyberbullying less often.
It is also important that the absence of screens in the bedroom supports proper sleep, which is critical for mental health and brain development. By contrast, scrolling through content at the table or while snacking may be associated with a risk of eating disorders and developing an unhealthy attitude towards one’s own body.
3. Create a shared ‘media plan’ for the whole family
Specialists advise going beyond bans for children and drawing up a clear family plan for using digital devices. It can set out the time allocated for work, study, rest and shared ‘screen-free’ moments. It is important that adults themselves stick to these rules, as parents’ example directly influences how children use social networks.
4. ‘Be curious, not irritated’
Scientists emphasise that effective supervision is not only about control and restrictions, but also about parents’ ‘supportive involvement’ in their children’s digital lives. It is worth regularly asking what exactly your child does online, which games or apps they like, and whom they talk to.
«Be curious, don’t be furious»
This is the principle followed by Stanford University social media researcher Sunny Xun Liu, who is also the mother of two teenagers. She recommends asking open questions such as: ‘What is this app? What do you like about it?’ and sharing your own online discoveries with your children. This approach helps to build trust and allows teenagers to seek help without fear if they encounter cyberbullying or other harmful content.
5. Start conversations about the digital world from an early age
Experts suggest not waiting until the teenage years to talk to children about online risks. Already in primary school it is worth discussing cyberbullying, fraudulent schemes, how filters on social media work, as well as issues of privacy and sharing photos.
Such early conversations help children understand that it is important to protect their digital reputation and to be careful about what content they share and what they view. Over time, as children grow older and demonstrate responsibility, restrictions can be partially relaxed while maintaining an open dialogue.
Experts stress that parents do not need to have all the answers or understand every app perfectly. What matters far more is to start talking to children early, communicate regularly and listen attentively. It is precisely this kind of interaction that best protects teenagers from excessive immersion in social media and the associated risks.