Likes, Followers, Childhood

Kids ages 11 through 17 start using social media whether it's on their own phone or on a friend's phone. TikTok, Instagram Reels/posts, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube are all at the tips of kids’ fingers. The New York Times reported in June 2025 that kids are usually on their phones watching social media around 4.8 hours a day, which is way too much for teenage brains. New trends pop up everyday; it could be dances, style, or even a saying. For example brain rot is a huge trend currently. Social media is a way for kids to connect with people and know the latest trends, but 4.8 hours a day is too much for a developing brain. So let's talk about ways we can fix it.

In my opinion, kids should be able to have social media, it is a way to connect with friends, find the newest trends, and communicate with family.

During COVID-19, social media let people maintain friendships and find supportive communities, especially groups that helped with identity and interests. As well as learning about social issues and things in the news and being able to share their opinions. Most importantly it helped youth feel somewhat normal in a unique time. Some parents had no idea how to use the iphone 12 with all the new swipe up gestures, so they weren't monitoring their kids social media, but I think if your parents know how to use your phone and social media platforms there shouldn't be any bad outcomes. If a profile is posting something inappropriate, report the account then block it. You are your own person, you need to make decisions for yourself and think about what is the best choice for yourself. Parents should always know what their kids are doing, but that doesn’t mean taking away such a great way to feel normal and communicate with other peers, the internet has around 5 billion users which is more than half the world.

Nevertheless there is a side to social media that can be dark, unfortunately like students might view inappropriate images. If the parents think something bad is on their social media, then have a calm truthful sit down conversation on how the parents can help. As well as working with a family media plan so parents can be more involved with what social media their kid is watching.

Even some well known little kid games like Roblox have explicit, offensive things on the platform.

Kepios, a digital consultancy reported 2024 Social media is scientifically addictive. Everyone knows this from just looking at this generation. Although that doesn’t mean it's bad to use. Devices are able to have controls like setting boundaries with a family media plan, which helps families balance screen time for their teens or even themselves. Family media plans make parents able to foster healthy habits and promote media responsibility. It also sets boundaries for when, where, and how much your child is using their device. So your child will be able to experience modern day childhood safe, happy, and educated.

Photo Caption (Left): Scroll. TikTok is one of the most popular social platforms. Kids are addicted to TikTok, therefore parents are concerned about the amount of screen time they consume.

Photo Caption (Right): Limit. iPhone screen time control settings. Kids use social media to connect, but some- times spend too much time on their screens.