Image of a teen girl sitting in bed, holding her phone.

Social media and teenagers

Social media is an integral part of most teenagers' lives today, 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. 

We’ve created some resources to help you better understand how and why teens are using social media. Plus, find practical tips on how to keep your teen safe online.

Image of a teen girl scrolling on her phone in her bed.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a mobile phone. The phone screen is showing an image of a sunset on social media. There are three comments in speech bubbles next to the phone that read: click bait, photoshopped, fake videos. Next to the phone is a drawing of a young person and their parent sitting in front of an open laptop. The parent is supporting the young person.

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.

Young male using phone in dark

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.

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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.

Ways to support your non-binary teenager. Image of a mum and child leaning in close to each other on a couch looking at a tablet together.

Look after your family’s privacy online

Discover practical ways to maintain your privacy and keep your whole family safe online.

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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.

Young male leaning on fence using phone

Self-esteem and social media

Find out why social media can impact a teenagers self-esteem and how you can support your teenager.

Guy lying on bed using tablet with guitar in background

Should I be worried my teen is making friends online?

With your teen spending so much time online, they're probably meeting and making new friends.

Related topics

Teens and technologyWhat you need to know about cyberbullying and teensHow to build trust in your teensTalking about mental health with your teen
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              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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