As a parent, we instinctively want our kids to be liked and included among their peers. It’s natural; no one wants their child to feel left out or appear like they don’t fit in. We want our children to be happy and have a group of friends that they grow and develop with. Social media has made this slightly more difficult. With everyone now more connected than ever, we can withdraw and become more distant, anxious and develop FOMO like we have never experienced before.
What is social media FOMO?
The fear of missing out (FOMO) on social media is common in today's digital age. It refers to anxiety or insecurity when individuals believe they are missing out on interesting, exciting, or enjoyable experiences others share on social media platforms. Years ago, when children would meet to do an activity together, no one would be any wiser if they weren’t invited. Now, with social media, children document their activities. If one child is not included in this activity and sees it online, it can lead to negative feelings and emotions.
Many factors cause social media FOMO. It’s an interesting topic of discussion because often, FOMO is caused in our minds, both adults and children alike. It differs from bullying as the intent behind it is, more often than not, not malicious.
- Constant connection: Because our children are constantly connected, a deeper connection is formed between them. When they are not included in something and see it online can leave an extreme feeling of being left out and not being good enough or wondering what they have done wrong.
- Social comparison: Feelings of loneliness can arise when one child appears to have a much better social life than another. It’s important to educate children that social media is a highlight reel, and people mostly only post when they are doing an exciting activity or with others, when in fact, the other 6 days of the week, their life may not be that exciting.
- Fear of Isolation: FOMO can also stem from a fear of being left out or excluded from social circles, which is heightened when seeing others enjoying activities online.
We must remind and educate children that social media offers only a curated glimpse into people's lives rather than the whole picture. By teaching them to focus on their well-being and finding fulfilment in real-life experiences, we can help them reduce the impact of FOMO on social media.
Additional ways to help your child reduce social media FOMO
Be aware of triggers
Limit social media use
Practice gratitude with them
Mindful emotions
Teach your child to be aware of accounts and users that trigger a sense of FOMO and anxiety within them. Let them know it’s ok to unfollow and even block these users. It’s ok not to put yourself in a position to view content that makes you unhappy.
Limit the amount of time your child spends on social media each day. The less time they have to consume triggering content, the happier they will be.
Practice gratitude with your child. Take time together to appreciate all the positive things you have in your lives, like each other. They will be more confident in living life and appreciating the smaller things more.
Teach them how to be mindful of their emotions, spot their triggers, and navigate around them. This is a lesson for life.
Zeeko Education
At Zeeko, we are here to help you. We pride ourselves in helping parents and teachers across Ireland and further by providing information on Social Media, Internet Safety and Education. If you, as a parent, have any questions about social media and how to navigate it with your child, feel free to reach out to a member of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is social media FOMO in kids?
Social media FOMO in kids refers to the fear of missing out when children see others posting about activities, friendships, or events online that they were not part of. It can cause anxiety, insecurity, or feelings of exclusion — even when there was no intention to leave them out.
2. How is social media FOMO different from bullying?
While both can cause emotional distress, social media FOMO in kids is often not driven by malicious intent. It usually happens when children see posts of events they were not invited to. Unlike bullying, the exclusion is often unintentional — but the emotional impact can still be very real.
3. Why has social media increased FOMO among children?
In the past, children might not have known about an event they weren’t invited to. Today, constant connection and photo-sharing mean that activities are documented and visible to everyone. This heightened visibility can intensify feelings of isolation or comparison.
4. What causes social media FOMO in kids?
Several factors contribute, including:
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Constant connection – Being always online can make children feel deeply connected to peers, so exclusion feels more intense.
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Social comparison – Children may compare their everyday lives to others’ “highlight reels.”
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Fear of isolation – Seeing others socialising can create anxiety about losing friendships or social standing.
5. How does social comparison affect children?
Children may believe others are always happier, busier, or more popular because social media often shows only exciting or positive moments. Teaching children that social media is a curated highlight reel can help reduce the pressure of comparison.
6. What are the signs of social media FOMO in kids?
Parents may notice:
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Mood changes after being online
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Increased anxiety about friendships
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Obsessively checking social media
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Feeling “not good enough”
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Withdrawal or sadness
Open conversations can help uncover what your child is feeling.
7. How can I help reduce social media FOMO in kids?
There are practical steps you can take:
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Be aware of triggers – Encourage your child to unfollow or mute accounts that make them feel anxious or excluded.
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Limit screen time – Reducing time online lowers exposure to triggering content.
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Practice gratitude – Help your child focus on positive aspects of their own life.
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Encourage mindful emotions – Teach them to recognise and manage emotional triggers.
These strategies empower children rather than restrict them.
8. Should my child delete social media to avoid FOMO?
Not necessarily. Social media is part of modern communication and can have positive benefits. Instead of removing access entirely, focus on building emotional resilience, healthy habits, and balanced screen time.
9. How can I talk to my child about social media FOMO?
Approach the conversation calmly and without judgement. Ask open questions such as:
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“How do you feel after being online?”
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“Have you ever felt left out when you saw something posted?”
Normalising these feelings helps children feel understood rather than embarrassed.
10. Why is teaching mindfulness important?
Helping children identify emotional triggers and understand their reactions builds lifelong resilience. When children can recognise when social media FOMO is affecting them, they are better equipped to step back and make healthier choices.
11. Can limiting social media time really make a difference?
Yes. Less exposure to constant updates reduces opportunities for comparison and anxiety. Even small changes — such as screen-free evenings or device-free family time — can positively impact emotional wellbeing.
12. Where can parents get more support?
Zeeko Education supports parents and schools by providing guidance on social media, internet safety, and digital wellbeing. If you have concerns about social media FOMO in kids, reaching out for expert advice can help you navigate these challenges with confidence.
Explore Zeeko’s Home Page to discover our mission on the About Us Page, innovative Phone Blocking System, and engaging Phoenix Quest 10 programme. We provide Internet Safety Seminars, the Zeeko Report Card, and the Magical Leaders Choose Country initiative, alongside insights from our Digital Trend Report. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.