Is Your Child Ready for Social Media? The Checklist Every Parent Needs

It seems today's kids start asking for a phone earlier and earlier. Most parents probably didn't get a cell phone until their teen years, but this generation has grown up with smartphones as a normal part of their lives.

Many parents choose to let their kids have phones at earlier ages (one survey showed one-third of kids get their first smartphone at age 10). However, it's possible to use parental controls to make sure your child isn't on social media until you decide they are ready. If you're considering letting your child set up their first social media account, there are a few things you may want to consider first.

Is Your Child At Least 13 Years Old?

Most social media sites require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. Many platforms also have parental restrictions available for teen accounts, at least until age 16 or older. Letting your child set up an account when they turn 13, but keeping restrictions turned on, could be the right balance for many families who want to allow some independence with social media, but are not ready to let their child completely run away with it.

For example, Meta teen accounts are private, meaning the teens have to accept new followers before other users can see their content. The apps also control messaging so teens only get direct messages from people they are friends with or people who follow them. Teens can only turn the protections off when they reach a certain age or with a parent's consent. Here are some of the current age restrictions on popular social media sites:

• Meta (Facebook and Instagram): Users must be age 13 or older to set up an account. Teen accounts with restrictions are available for users aged 13 to 17.
• TikTok: Must be 13 years old to set up an account. There are restrictions for account users under 18.
• X (formerly Twitter): Must be 13 years old to create an account. X does not offer teen accounts similar to TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, but users under 18 do have certain restrictions.

Talk to Your Kids

Although social media platforms have added restrictions and protections for younger users in the past few years, ultimately it's up to you and your kids to decide how they will use social media. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to keep communication open.

If something on social media is bothering your child or teen, you want them to turn to you for guidance. Remember to cover the basics, such as not giving out personal information. It's also important to remind them what's not okay to do, such as gossip, bully, or hurt another's reputation.

Perhaps most importantly, be sure they understand that social media platforms are still businesses trying to make a profit. A Harvard Business study found that social media companies made $11 billion from teens in one year. Their algorithms are designed to garner the most clicks, which can often include controversial or harmful topics.

Know Your Teen

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), social media is not “inherently beneficial or harmful to young people.” How social media affects your child will depend a lot on their maturity, emotional intelligence, psychological characteristics, and social circumstances.

There isn't a specific age at which social media is either “good” or “bad,” but how they use it and how it affects them will differ based on each individual. However, the APA recommends that parents monitor social media use in young teens (10 to 14 years). Check out their list of 10 recommendations for teen social media use.

Set Up Your Family Safety Agreement

Experts suggest printing out a copy of the government's family safety agreement. You and your child can go over the agreement together, and both of you can sign it. The agreement covers issues such as balancing screen time, protecting personal information, and being kind and respectful online.

Be a Role Model For Your Teens

If you'd like to teach your children to have a healthy balance of technology use, it helps to set a good example yourself. If you have device-free times, such as family dinner, be sure you are following the rules as well.

List of the Most Used Social Media Apps in 2025

Wondering what the most popular social media platforms are these days? Facebook is still on top, with Instagram close behind. According to Statista.com, these are the 10 most popular social networks worldwide (as of February 2025).

1. Facebook
2. Instagram
3. WhatApp
4. YouTube
5. TikTok
6. WeChat
7. Telegram
8. Messenger
9. SnapChat
10. Reddit

You Get the Final Say as the Parent

No matter what you decide is best for your family, remember that you get the final say as the parent. If your tween or teen asks about social media because they have friends using different platforms, it's still okay to say no if you don't think your child is ready. You can always change your mind and allow them to use social media, but once they're on it, it's not as simple to remove any impact it has on their life.

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