Social media and teenagers
Today, teenagers and social media are almost inseparable. It’s an integral part of most teens' lives, shaping how they connect and express themselves. It can be hard to keep up with fast-moving trends and emerging risks, especially if you’re not familiar with the platforms your teen is using.
These resources can help you better understand how and why teens use social media, its benefits and potential dangers, and how to use parental controls to keep your teen safe online.
Parents’ and carers’ guide to the social media age restrictions
Learn how the social media age restrictions may impact your teen. Get some advice on how to navigate the transition and support your teen to cope with change.
Teenagers and social media
Learn about why teenagers love social media and the possible benefits and risks involved.
Ask an expert: Keeping teens safe online
Actor and comedian Peter Rowsthorn and his teen daughter Billie chat about how to keep teens safe online.
Ask an expert: Safe ways for teens to connect online
Teen content creator George and clinical psychologist Nasalifya share some of the ways teens can safely build community online.
Ask an expert: Does social media cause poor body image?
GP and mum-of-two Dr Preeya Alexander breaks down the relationship between social media and teen body image.
Ask an expert: Teens and screen time
Psychologist and digital wellbeing expert Jocelyn Brewer answers common questions about teens and screens.
Helping your teen deal with graphic content
Disturbing content can leave teens feeling upset long after they’ve seen it. But your being there to help them understand the issues they’ve found upsetting, or to work out whether they should watch the content at all, can go a long way in helping them to feel better.
Help your teen manage their social media usage
Most parents are worried about their teenager’s use of social media. Here are some practical ways to help your teen develop good social media habits.
Stay up to date with social media
Keeping across the latest social media trends and platforms is a great way to ensure your teen is staying safe online.
Look after your family’s privacy online
Discover practical ways to maintain your privacy and keep your whole family safe online.
Encourage positive online behaviour
Social media can be a positive space for your teen if they use it right. Learn how to practise positive online behaviour and teach your teenager to do the same.
Self-esteem and social media
Find out why social media can impact a teenager's self-esteem and how you can support your teenager.
Should I be worried my teen is making friends online?
Worried your teen is making friends online? Learn more about online friendships, why they can be beneficial and how to keep your teen safe in our guide.
Frequently asked questions about social media and teenagers
Most Australian teenagers use social media in some form, and it's become a central part of how young people connect, communicate, and navigate their social world. Understanding this can help parents approach conversations about social media with their teens more effectively. The key is helping teens use social media in ways that support, rather than harm, their wellbeing.
Social media offers many genuine benefits for teenagers. It helps them maintain relationships, explore identities, find belonging in online communities, and access support. Engaging with diverse content also aids in developing social skills and broadening perspectives. For many young people, these platforms are vital spaces for connection and development. Learn more about social media and teens.
While social media has many positives, there are genuine risks that parents should be aware of. This includes exposure to cyberbullying, harmful or inappropriate content, privacy and safety concerns, and the potential for excessive screen time to impact sleep, study, and face-to-face relationships. Some teens may also experience anxiety or depression related to social comparison.
Open, ongoing conversations about these risks, combined with reasonable boundaries, can help teens navigate social media more safely and confidently. Read more about social media and teens.
Digital wellbeing for your teenager means guiding them to achieve a healthy and sustainable balance with technology and social media. Strategies might include promoting regular screen-free time, setting sensible device limits at bedtime, and encouraging your teen to consider how their online activities impact their feelings both during and after use.
The ultimate aim is to help them cultivate self-awareness and healthy technology habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Read more about social media and teens.
Currently, social media is not banned for under-16s in Australia, though there will be some form of social media age restrictions in the near future. You can read more about the social media ban in this headspace guide.
In the meantime, check each app's specific terms of service and community guidelines to understand their policies around age restrictions, and have ongoing conversations with your teen about safe social media use.
Popular platforms among Australian teens currently include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Discord, though these trends can change rapidly as new platforms emerge. Rather than keeping track of every new app, the best approach is to maintain open, curious conversations with your teen about the platforms and communities they're engaging with. Learn more about staying up to date with social media.