Keeping Your Student Safe on Social Media: A Guide for Parents

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for connection, education, and even ministry. It allows students to explore interests, stay connected with friends, and express their creativity. However, like any tool, social media must be used wisely to ensure that our children are safe and our values are upheld.

As parents, navigating this world can be overwhelming, especially with new platforms emerging regularly. Here are some practical ways you can help your student develop healthy social media habits while protecting them from potential risks.

1. Start the Conversation Early and Keep it Open

The best approach to social media safety is communication. Start the conversation about responsible online behavior before your child gets their first device. Talk about the benefits and risks of social media, and discuss your expectations regarding its use. Keep this dialogue open, so your child feels comfortable sharing any concerns or experiences they may have.

Tip: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think is good about social media?” or “Have you seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?”

2. Set Age-Appropriate Boundaries and Time Limits

Most social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, have a minimum age requirement of 13. Respect these guidelines and consider whether your child is ready for the responsibility and content they may encounter.

Once they start using social media, establish clear boundaries on which platforms they can use, who they can connect with, and the amount of time they can spend online. Set a daily time limit to ensure social media doesn’t interfere with schoolwork, family time, or other activities.

Tip: Use built-in parental control settings available on most devices and apps to help monitor and manage screen time.

3. Model Good Social Media Behavior

Students learn by observing. If you want them to adopt healthy social media habits, be sure you’re setting a positive example. Demonstrate kindness, avoid oversharing, and balance screen time with offline activities. When your child sees you using social media responsibly, they’re more likely to follow suit.

Tip: Take time for “tech-free” activities as a family, like board games, nature walks, or simply having dinner without phones at the table.

4. Know the Apps and Stay Informed

New apps and social platforms pop up frequently, each with its own set of risks. Take time to research and understand the platforms your student is using. Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings, content filters, and safety features of each app.

Tip: Sign up for your own account on the platforms they use, so you can understand the app’s environment and have a basis for meaningful discussions about online safety.

5. Emphasize the Importance of Privacy

Teach your student to keep personal information private. They should never share their full name, address, school, phone number, or other identifying details online. Remind them that even seemingly harmless posts can reveal more than they realize.

Additionally, go through the privacy settings of each social media platform together, ensuring their profiles are set to “private” and that they only connect with people they know in real life.

Tip: A good rule of thumb is to ask, “Would you feel comfortable if this information was shared with your entire school?”

6. Help Them Recognize and Handle Cyberbullying

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a real threat on social media. Discuss what cyberbullying looks like and how it differs from teasing or disagreements. Empower your student to respond by ignoring, blocking, or reporting negative behavior and always encourage them to speak to you or another trusted adult if they feel threatened or upset.

Tip: Remind them that the saying, “Treat others as you want to be treated,” applies online as well as in person.

7. Encourage Positive Content and Christian Values

Social media is not inherently bad—it’s all about how it’s used. Encourage your student to use it as a platform for good: sharing their faith, encouraging others, and spreading positive messages. As Christians, we are called to be a light, even online.

Tip: Challenge your child to post uplifting Bible verses, inspirational quotes, or stories of acts of kindness.

8. Create a Social Media Agreement

Consider creating a “family social media agreement” that outlines expectations, guidelines, and consequences. Make it a collaborative process so your student feels heard and invested in following the rules. Review this agreement periodically as they grow and gain more independence.

Tip: Include sections on screen time limits, online behavior, privacy settings, and what to do if they encounter something inappropriate.

9. Use Technology Tools Wisely

There are many apps and tools designed to help parents monitor and guide social media use. Explore options like parental control apps, internet filtering, and family sharing settings to ensure your student’s online experience is positive and safe.

Tip: Balance supervision with trust. Monitoring tools are helpful, but they’re most effective when used alongside ongoing conversations about safety and values.

10. Pray Together for Wisdom and Protection

Finally, don’t forget the power of prayer. Pray with your child for wisdom in using social media responsibly and for protection from harmful influences. Teach them to seek God’s guidance when navigating the digital world and to view their online presence as an extension of their faith.

Tip: Choose a “family verse” related to wisdom and self-control to memorize together, such as Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

In Conclusion

Social media is here to stay, and it will continue to shape how our children interact with the world. By being proactive, staying informed, and keeping Christ at the center of our approach, we can help our students use social media in a way that is safe, healthy, and God-honoring.