One of the team told me about a time a mother rang him, quite upset. Her teenage son had discovered hurtful comments being made about him in a group chat. Those in the group chat had not realised that he would see them but he did and to him, it felt as if the whole school had turned against him overnight.
We’ve seen and heard many instances of incidents like this happening, both intentionally and unintentionally. And we understand the new challenges that have come with modern technology—when many of us were at school, problems were left behind at the school gate; but now these problems follow young people home, hidden in their pockets, and follow them into their bedrooms.
Fast forward some years, and the same boy has found a community online where he could share his passion for coding with people from all over the globe. The encouragement he received helped him build confidence and join a local tech club.
Depending on how it’s used and who is involved, the same technology can result in very different outcomes. And that is the primary challenge when it comes to social media today.
Of course, it’s not a new problem—all inventions have had both positive and negative effects. The widespread adoption of electricity heralded the start of the modern era, yet electric lightning has forever changed our sleep patterns. The printing press and its progeny led to information becoming available to everyone, but also to the rise of disinformation. And the splitting of the atom gave us cheap and clean source of energy and also the greatest weapon of mass destruction ever conceived.
Social media is part of everyday life
It’s important to remember that, whether we like it or not, social media has become woven into our daily lives. In the UK, around 80 percent of people use social media with young people being the most active, often using multiple platforms every day.
Yet, something interesting is happening. Many young people are reconsidering their relationship with social media—a so-called “quiet revolution” is underway, with many young adults stepping back from constant posting, or even deleting their online presence entirely. Instead, they are rediscovering offline activities like meeting friends and listening to music, with many using simpler phones incapable of using social media apps altogether.
A survey showed that half of young people would prefer there be no internet at all, yet I would say that what they really need is healthier digital lives, not the elimination of the technology altogether.
When social media goes wrong
We cannot ignore the real harms. Stories of cyberbullying, harmful content, and online pressure appear regularly. One teenager told journalists social media had “ruined [his] life” as harassment spiralled into anxiety and isolation.
Surveys suggest 58 percent of UK people experienced a significant online risk in the past year, from bullying to scams. Governments and platforms are responding. Instagram now alerts parents if teens repeatedly search for content related to self-harm, and regulators urge stronger protections for children under 13.
And there is much to be said of the effect of social media, endless scrolling, and short-form video on the attention spans of young people.
Social media is not inherently bad, but the risks are real, and they matter.
Healthy habits start early
It is easy to blame teenagers, but habits form much earlier. Very young children given extended screen time may miss opportunities to develop communication and social skills. It can feel much easier to turn to a screen instead of to another person, particularly if that’s all you know, but that leaves young people isolated when they’re surrounded by their peers, or even friends.
Helping children develop healthy digital habits from the start is key.
Helping young people use social media safely
Instead of focusing only on dangers, it helps to think about protective factors, the things that reduce risk and build resilience online.
Promote open conversation
Create an environment that allows young people to discuss their concerns openly, so that dangers can be identified and mitigated. The goal is for your child to feel comfortable coming to you with questions, rather than turning only to the screen.
Encourage public screen use
Building on open conversations, create spaces where screens are used openly rather than in private. There should be nothing to hide. Show the same interest in your child’s online life as you do in their offline activities. Know who they are spending time with and take an active interest. Practical steps include keeping devices out of bedrooms, turning off headphones during games, and occasionally reviewing the content they access.
Set clear boundaries
Establishing rules around screen use helps young people develop healthy habits. This can include screen-free meals, time limits on devices, app restrictions, and digital curfews. Keeping devices out of bedrooms highlights alternatives to social media and supports wellbeing, especially at a young age. The focus is on creating a structure that encourages moderation rather than simply restricting access.
Use parental tools
Explore and implement the safety features available on social media apps, such as restricted messaging, content filters, and teen accounts. Discuss openly with your child why these measures are important. Transparency helps them understand that these tools are not a punishment but a way to stay safe online.
Recognise warning signs
Be aware of changes in your child’s mood, sleep patterns, or behaviour. Increased secrecy around device use can also indicate problems online. Early recognition allows you to step in, provide support, and address issues before they escalate.
Balance online and offline
Encourage a healthy balance by supporting hobbies, friendships, and activities away from screens. Regular offline time helps young people build confidence, develop interests, and maintain wellbeing beyond the digital world. The goal is not simply to reduce social media use but to foster a balanced approach that emphasises moderation and boundaries.
Encourage positive use
Support your child in using social media to strengthen friendships and share positive content. Participate in calls and get to know their friends and families. Engaging in their online world in a supportive way helps build trust and reinforces the positive aspects of digital interaction.
The focus should not be on using social media less, but on developing a healthier approach to it—balance, boundaries, moderation.
The role of parents and communities
The most powerful influence on a young person’s digital life is not an algorithm—it is the adults around them. Children learn by observing others. They watch how we use technology, and they learn healthy digital habits following these examples. By staying curious, talking openly, and setting sensible boundaries, families can help make social media a tool for connection rather than a source of harm.
Creating communities where young people and families thrive means helping them navigate both the real world and the digital one. With awareness, conversation, and boundaries, social media can be a place for growth, not just risk.