Responsible use of social media among children and adolescents: tips for families

This new digital era brings with it access to social media at increasingly younger ages.

This new digital era means children are accessing social media at younger ages. As a family, it’s essential to teach your children how to use these platforms safely and responsibly. At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Querétaro, we work closely with families to encourage responsible social media use, at the right age, grounded in respect, responsibility and self-care.

1. Get to know the platforms your children use. Before setting rules, find out which apps and platforms your children use. Many social networks and online games include messaging features, which can pose risks. At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Querétaro, we teach students to use technology mindfully and highlight the importance of privacy.
2. Talk about the risks. Discuss the dangers of accepting requests or interacting with people they don’t know. These conversations help prevent bullying or scams. We foster open communication between students, teachers and parents to strengthen digital safety.
3. Respect the minimum age for social media. Children shouldn’t access social media before the minimum age required by each platform. Age limits aren’t arbitrary—they’re designed to protect children’s safety, privacy and mental health. Skipping this step can expose them to inappropriate content or situations they’re not ready to handle. We support responsible technology use, always promoting healthy emotional development at every stage.
4. Encourage respectful and smart conversations. A good rule for posting online is: “Would I say this to someone in person?” If the answer is no, it probably shouldn’t be posted. Help your children understand that posting on social media is like putting a sign outside your house with all the information you share. Emotional education is a key part of our approach at Instituto Thomas Jefferson Querétaro.
5. Report inappropriate content. Make sure your children know they can come to you if they experience anything uncomfortable or suspicious. Remind them that talking to a trusted adult is crucial for their safety.

At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Querétaro, we have safeguarding policies that guide us in supporting students facing digital risks.Teaching children to use social media responsibly is a shared task between home and school. At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Querétaro, we guide this process, helping students become conscious, empathetic and confident digital citizens. Want to learn how our digital citizenship programme can support your family? Contact us to find out more.