It was a challenge coming up with a title for this blog, as it seems strange to be highlighting the positive effects of using social media, but there are some! As we regularly say at Zeeko the Internet is a fantastic resource, but it is something that has to be navigated. Our children and teenagers need to be give the help, support and skills to stay safe when they are online. Social media is now a part of everyday life and is becoming part of our culture. Staying safe online and making informed choices about who we communicate with online is a constant challenge for adults as well as children.
Here are just a few examples of the positive impact of social media on children and teenagers:
It encourages communication and socialisation: This may sound obvious but using social media to network does improve communication, it may be a non traditional form of communication but it is one that is on the rise. Using social media also offers the opportunity to build and/or improve digital skills. There is a real movement in Ireland towards offering coding as a subject at both primary and secondary level, and while this is bringing digital skill to a whole new level, many daily tasks now involve being online so digital skill at every level is something needed now and in the future.
Using social media can also help to build and maintain a sense of community. Teens in particular can often feel that the world doesn’t understand them, that adults can’t understand where they are coming from. Communicating with their peers via social media can be a positive experience for teenagers; it can help them to negotiate the experiences that life throws at them and seek advice from others around their own age who have had similar experiences. There are a growing number of websites with large social media followings that offer great advice and/or support to teens in relation to mental health, these include Spunout.ie, ReachOut.com and Childline.ie. Earlier this year the ISPCC announced that there has been a large increase in young people contacting them via text and social media seeking advice on a range of issues.
Children and teens will use whatever means of communication feels most comfortable to them, for a growing number this communication is taking place via social media.
So what are the things to remind your child or teenager about in relation to staying safe if or when they are using social media?
Remind your child the importance of only communicating via social media with people they have met in the ‘real world’. Also talk to them about making sure that they don’t share any of their personal details, i.e. their home address, passwords, images that could identify their location or their school when they are on social media. As always reminding your child to think twice before they post or share something on social media, is a good idea as what is shared cannot always be easily removed or deleted and could have longer term consequences, particularly for teenagers in relation to career progression and or job opportunities.
Finding a balance between experiencing and using social media as a positive tool and staying safe while doing so is undoubtedly a challenge, but one that with the right support and guidance children and teens can achieve!
The Zeeko Internet Safety Guide offers more comprehensive advice on how to keep your child safe when they are online. You can buy a copy of the book here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the positive effects of social media on kids and teens?
The positive effects of social media on kids and teens include improved communication, stronger peer connections, access to support networks, and the development of digital skills that are increasingly important in everyday life.
2. Can social media help children and teenagers communicate better?
Yes. Social media encourages communication in a way that feels natural to young people. While it may be different from traditional face-to-face interaction, it helps children and teens express themselves, stay connected, and build confidence in communication.
3. How does social media help teens feel less isolated?
Many teens feel misunderstood or isolated at times. Social media allows them to connect with peers who share similar experiences, helping them feel supported and less alone—one of the key positive effects of social media on kids and teens.
4. Can social media support mental health for young people?
When used responsibly, social media can provide access to helpful advice, peer support, and trusted organisations. Platforms connected to services like youth helplines and support groups can be a positive resource for teens seeking guidance.
5. Does using social media help children build digital skills?
Yes. Regular use of social media helps children develop digital literacy skills such as online communication, privacy awareness, and responsible content sharing—skills that are essential for education and future careers.
6. Why is social media now such a big part of children’s culture?
Social media has become part of everyday life and culture. Children and teens often use it as their primary way of communicating, sharing experiences, and staying informed, making it an important area where guidance and education are needed.
7. What safety rules should parents remind children about on social media?
Parents should remind children to:
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Only communicate with people they know in real life
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Avoid sharing personal information
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Think carefully before posting or sharing content
These reminders help ensure the positive effects of social media on kids and teens are not overshadowed by safety risks.
8. Why is it important to think before posting on social media?
Content shared online can be difficult to remove and may have long-term consequences. Encouraging children and teens to think before posting helps protect their reputation, privacy, and future opportunities.
9. Can social media be a positive learning tool for teens?
Yes. Social media can expose teens to educational content, creative communities, and discussions that support learning and personal growth when used with awareness and boundaries.
10. How can parents help children find a healthy balance with social media?
Parents can support balance by:
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Talking openly about online experiences
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Setting age-appropriate boundaries
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Encouraging offline activities
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Staying informed about the platforms their child uses
11. Is social media suitable for all age groups?
Social media can be positive for children and teens when used in age-appropriate ways and with adult guidance. Younger children in particular need supervision and clear rules to stay safe.
12. How does Zeeko help families navigate social media safely?
Zeeko provides practical guidance through resources like the Zeeko Internet Safety Guide, helping parents and children understand both the benefits and risks of online activity while promoting safe, informed choices.
13. Can children enjoy the benefits of social media and still stay safe?
Yes. With the right guidance, boundaries, and open communication, children and teens can enjoy the positive effects of social media on kids and teens while learning how to stay safe and responsible online.
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.
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