Holiday Safety Tips with Parents, Kids and Their Smartphones

Over the last year, there has been much discussion about whether the government should get involved when it comes to young people using social media and the pros and cons that come with it.
META, the parent company of Facebook, says there needs to be a balanced approach, but having it come from parents and their kids.
“With many Florida teens receiving their first smartphones this holiday season, there are several ways that parents can help their children create a healthy balance of social media and family time,’ said Jennifer Hanley, Safety Policy Manager at Meta.

Below is a list of some of those recommendations:

Parents approach conversations about limiting screen time in a way that feels collaborative rather than controlling their teens.
Effective ways for parents to address the pressures of social media and help their teens avoid the comparison trap.
When and how should parents check in on their teens’ feelings about their online experiences, and what are the right questions to ask?
Meta says parents should sit down with their teens and share some social media practices so parents can adopt healthy online habits for their teens.
In 2023, 50 million smartphones were given as Christmas gifts. This year, 31% of parents of 11-14 year-old teens responded that they plan on giving their teen a smartphone for Christmas. While smartphones have long been a popular holiday gift for teens, parents have new tools and resources to engage with their teens, and smartphones make that experience a positive one for their teens. 
A fresh wave of Florida teens are anticipating receiving their first devices. While this is an exciting time for many teens, it can also come with new concerns for parents whose teens will be joining social media for the first time. 
Talking to teens about safe online practices is essential, and the early stages of their social media use are the ideal time to start. While these conversations seem daunting, open communication can help parents support their teens using social media and set appropriate boundaries.