STAGES Teens From One Mom to Another: Steering Our Teens Toward Healthy Social Media Use Raising teens in the digital era feels like uncharted territory. We grew up without the constant buzz of social media, but for our teens, it’s all they’ve known. I’ve spent countless nights worrying about the effects of social media on my kids, and I bet many of you have too. So, I want to share some strategies that have helped us navigate this world together, hoping they’ll offer some guidance and reassurance for your family as well. Share Article Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter Tiktok Setting Digital Boundaries Together First, let’s talk about setting boundaries, which isn’t about enforcing strict rules. It’s about helping our teens understand why it’s healthy to disconnect sometimes. My approach? Have an open discussion with your teen about how constant connectivity can impact their sleep, studies, and stress levels. Encourage them to be part of the conversation and help set their own limits. It’s not about taking away their phone; it’s about teaching balance. Creating an Open Dialogue Open dialogue has been a game-changer for us. It started with my own education—I had to learn the ins and outs of Instagram,