Tackling Social Media with Pre-Teens — A Mum’s Guide to Navigating the Digital Jungle

Let’s be real — social media is a beast. It’s shiny, addictive, confusing, and full of all the things we didn’t have to worry about when we were kids. And now? Our pre-teens are diving headfirst into this world, and we’re left wondering how to keep them safe, sane, and kind.

📱 Why Social Media Feels So Big to Pre-Teens

For pre-teens, social media isn’t just fun and games. It’s a place where friendships form and crumble, where popularity can feel like a currency, and where everything — from selfies to memes — feels high stakes.

They’re just starting to explore identity, belonging, and expression — and social media can amplify all of that in ways we sometimes don’t understand.

💡 Tips for Tackling Social Media Together

• Start conversations early and often. Don’t wait for problems to arise. Chat about what they see, feel, and experience online — no judgment, just curiosity.
• Set clear boundaries. Agree on screen time limits, what platforms are okay, and what’s off-limits. Consistency helps kids feel safe.
• Teach critical thinking. Help them spot fake news, online drama, and the unrealistic highlight reels that social media so often is.
• Model healthy use. Kids watch what we do, not just what we say. Show them how to take breaks, be kind, and not get sucked into the scroll.
• Keep devices out of bedrooms. Sleep and mental health benefit from tech-free zones — plus, it gives you space to monitor activity.
• Empower them to speak up. Encourage your pre-teen to talk to you or another trusted adult if something online feels wrong or scary.

❤️ Remember: It’s About Connection, Not Control

The goal isn’t to ban or police social media completely — it’s to build trust, open lines of communication, and help your child navigate this new terrain with you by their side.

They’ll make mistakes. You will, too. That’s okay. What matters is they know they’re not alone.

🌈 Final Thoughts

Social media with pre-teens can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to teach empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. By tackling it together, you’re setting them up to be thoughtful, confident digital citizens.