Social media has its fair share of proponents and detractors. For proof of the former, one need look no further than numbers, as the advisory firm Kepios reported there were 5.22 billion social media users around the world at the start of October 2024. That translates to roughly 64 percent of the global population, a percentage that might upset detractors who see social media as a largely divisive entity that research has found can have an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of its users.

Social media certainly has its ups and downs, which is perhaps why so many parents feel like governing children's usage of platforms like Snapchat and Instagram is akin to walking a tightrope every day. Helping children safely navigate social media is no small task, but finding a way to do so can have a profound impact on youngsters' health. The American Psychological Association offers the following recommendations to parents and caregivers concerned about the safety of youngsters using social media.

· Recognize social media features that can be especially harmful. The APA notes that children can learn new social skills and communication strategies on social media. That's a notable benefit of social media usage, but there are some harmful components that can be particularly detrimental to children's still-developing brains. The APA highlights like buttons and the use of artificial intelligence as particularly harmful features because they promote excessive scrolling. Adolescents may be especially vulnerable in this regard, as the APA notes that the brain undergoes dramatic developmental changes during adolescence, when areas of the brain associated with a desire for attention from peers become more and more sensitive. Social media can exploit that need, which is even more dangerous because the parts of the brain that govern self-control do not fully develop until early adulthood. Parents can limit usage of platforms that tally likes and set screen limits to minimize excessive scrolling.

· Monitor usage and maintain a dialogue about it. The APA urges parents to monitor their children's social media usage, particularly during early adolescence. But it's equally important to maintain a dialogue with children about their social media usage. The APA notes studies have found that engaging in ongoing discussions with adolescents about safe social media usage can help them navigate its dangers more effectively. Engaging youngsters each week also can make them feel more safe and not as though they're being judged about their usage. Discuss what they see and their understanding of what they see. Parents also can present hypothetical situations that may unfold on social media and ask them how they would respond.

· Lead by example. Children learn many of their behaviors from their parents, so if Mom and Dad exhibit poor social media habits, then youngsters are more likely to follow suit. The APA urges parents to avoid scanning social media during meals and family time. Parents also can self-govern their own usage, setting the same limits on time as they set for children. Periodic breaks from social media usage also can show children how it's alright to take a holiday from the platforms every once in a while.