Social Media Rules: How to Navigate Them Without the Drama

A recent National Parenting Pulse Survey found that 85% of parents argue with their children about social media use, and almost eight in ten worry about its impact on their child’s mental health.

But here’s the surprising news: kids want more face-to-face time, too.

A national survey by Act for Kids found two in five children aged 10 to 16 prefer hanging out with family in person, compared to just 15% who favour digital interaction.

The social media ban coming into place, here in Australia, could have positive effects. As parents and leaders, we have to traverse the change.

You’ve lived a long time and traversed many changes. Let your child borrow your confidence as they navigate the shift away from social media.

By that, I don’t mean dismissing their feelings, because the adjustment will be real. They may feel anything from rage, anger, and frustration … to “it’s no big deal.” How you respond matters. Your calm empathy helps steady them as they adjust.

Simple Ways to Keep thing CALM at home

1. Build the Bond, not the Battle

Ask how they’re feeling about the loss of social media. Avoid the preachy or lecture-style approach. Maybe even include their favourite snack, food is like a teenager's second love language! 😀

Recognise their feelings and thoughts as valid—real and important to your teen, even if you don’t agree with them.

Share your honest thoughts and feelings while staying connected, not correction-focused.
Keep it conversational and be curious to hear them.

Be prepared with information about the new regulations. Some kids may feel anxious or unclear about what’s changing.

Keep away from scaring them into compliance!

2. Stand Beside, Not Opposite Them

Don’t flaunt your own social media use around them. You could take a step towards them by saying something like .... “I’ll get off social media for the first week with you.” If that’s not possible, at least avoid scrolling in front of them.

Brainstorm with them some ideas that might support them as they adjust. As always, have a few good ideas ready to bounce into if they are stuck, but the goal is that you both work as equally as hard in the transition:

• Do they need time for “real” phone conversations with friends? (Some families are even using dumb phones or landlines again!)

• Do they need more face-to-face social time with friends?

• Do they need shared hobbies, games, or more family time to fill the gap?

3. You are not "Off the Hook"

The social media ban might help in some ways, and it certainly gives us parents a place to say ... "Well it's the law, so no!" Even with social media changes, there’s still every chance your teen will look for other online spaces to connect. Stay aware of the risks: cyber-bullying, exploitation, grooming, and scams are very real dangers on various levels.

Here are some boundaries that work well for many families:

Devices out of bedrooms: Still one of the most effective safety boundaries.
Charge devices in family spaces
Use “I” statements to set boundaries. For example: “I allow laptop use in the living room.” “I will check in with you about how you’re using your devices.”
Know their passwords. This isn’t about invading privacy. It’s about loving protection.
Be willing to step in and be the parent: If necessary, say, “Okay, I need to take that away for now. You’re not ready to use it safely.”

This season may feel big, but you are more than equipped for it. Stay calm, stay connected, and keep communicating, and admit to your teenager that you are in unfamiliar territory with them.

"Please forgive me, I am learning how to parent teenagers, and I make mistakes too."

Setting Boundaries Can Be Hard

And if you’d like support in your parenting or leadership, like holding boundaries with devices, or figuring out the next steps, reach out anytime. You don’t have to do this alone.

Let's set up a time to talk and see if we should work together, to raise healthy adults!

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