Protecting your teen

There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:

• Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use, and keep cellphones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Set an example by following these rules yourself.
• Monitor your teen's accounts. Let your teen know that you'll be regularly checking his or her social media accounts. You might aim to do so once a week or more. Make sure you follow through.
• Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
• Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.
• Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.

If you think your teen is experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression related to social media use, talk to your child's doctor.