Australia’s recent decision to ban social media for children under 16 has sparked global conversations about its impact. Whether one views this move as a necessary protection or an overreach, it undeniably raises essential questions about how children interact with social media. With the upcoming holiday season, social media use among children is likely to surge, making this a timely topic for facilitators and parents to reflect on.
The ban invites questions about its long-term effectiveness and what measures are in place as children transition past this age. As facilitators we can prompt discussions with parents about teaching responsibility early on, emphasising the need for children to develop self-regulation and critical thinking skills to navigate social media safely as they grow older. This article aims to provide practical direction for discussing SM use with parents, drawing on key principles from the SFSC curriculum.
Modelling: leading by example
As we know, parents are their children’s first role models, and their behaviour sets the tone for how children perceive and use social media. Parents need to model responsible use of social media which include practising balanced screen time, being present during family interactions, and engage with social media respectfully and thoughtfully.
Additionally, parents must stay informed about privacy settings, parental controls, and the platforms their children use. A proactive approach ensures they can guide their children in using social media safely and appropriately. By modelling healthy social media habits, parents demonstrate that digital engagement can coexist with meaningful real-world interactions.
Special time: creating a foundation for open communication
Special time plays a crucial role in building a strong parent-child relationship. By dedicating regular, distraction-free time to their children, parents establish a safe and nurturing environment. Special time isn’t about addressing specific issues like social media use directly but about fostering trust and connection.
Once children experience the consistency and non-judgmental nature of special time, they come to view their parents as a reliable “safe container” for sharing worries, concerns, or questions. This trust can extend to conversations about difficult topics, including their experiences with social media. When children know they have a supportive space to turn to, they are more likely to seek guidance in navigating the challenges of the digital world.
This approach emphasises the importance of laying a foundation of trust, ensuring children feel secure enough to approach their parents whenever they need support, whether it’s related to social media or other aspects of life. The strength of the parent-child relationship is paramount, as it enables children to feel comfortable sharing any concerns openly with their parents.
Childhood characteristics: building resilience
The characteristics of childhood; self-esteem, self-discipline, and social competence, are critical in the context of how our children use social media.
Self-esteem: Children with low self-esteem are particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, such as cyberbullying and comparison culture. Parents can help bolster self-esteem by encouraging positive self-talk and highlighting achievements outside the digital sphere. Self esteem is also bolstered in our process of discipline, such as praise, clear instructions and special time.
Self-discipline: Parents can guide children in balancing their social media use with other responsibilities, fostering a sense of control over their digital habits.
Social competence: Teaching digital citizenship is vital. Encourage children to interact respectfully online, recognise and report cyberbullying, and avoid harmful behaviours like trolling, illegal film streaming .
The Process of Discipline: establishing boundaries
Effective discipline around social media involves setting clear, agreed-upon boundaries. Facilitators can recommend family discussions to establish rules regarding screen time, appropriate platforms, and behaviour. These rules could include:
Screen time limits: creating a good balance of social media use. Whether that be having scheduled screen-free zones and device free bedrooms.
Privacy and safety: Educating children about protecting personal information, recognising signs of grooming, and being mindful of what they share.
Consequences: Implementing consistent repercussions for misuse, such as temporary loss of social media privileges.
When children understand the reasoning behind these rules and contribute to creating them, they are more likely to comply and internalise them.
The nature of humans: A balanced perspective
The SFSC curriculum’s focus on the nature of humans can offer a holistic framework for addressing social media use.
- Physical: Encourage a balance between social media and physical activity. Active lifestyles promote overall well-being and help prevent the sedentary habits linked to excessive screen time.
- Emotional: Support children in managing the emotional effects of social media, such as dealing with negative comments or unrealistic standards. Open conversations about mental health can help mitigate anxiety and stress caused by online interactions.
- Mental: Teach children to critically evaluate the content they consume. Encourage them to regularly question, “Who am I talking to? Is what I am reading or seeing real or fake?” Skills like recognising fake news, avoiding echo chambers, and questioning the credibility of sources empower children to navigate social media intelligently.
- Spiritual: Social media can also be a tool for spiritual growth. Apps focusing on mindfulness, well-being, and support can help children find inner peace and connect with positive communities.
Linking social media to Rites of Passage
The SFSC framework of rites of passage can also provide valuable guidance for parents in understanding their children’s developmental stages and transitions. Facilitators are encouraged to refer parents to this concept and use it as a tool during delivery to address challenges related to social media and beyond.
Social media is a powerful tool that shapes how children see themselves and the world. As facilitators you can play a crucial role in helping parents navigate this complex landscape by encouraging informed, intentional approaches. Whether through modeling, special time, or structured discipline, parents can guide their children to use social media in ways that align with their values and promote healthy development.
