Social Media

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When and how can my child use social networks?

Social media is exciting and offers the opportunity to connect, be creative, and discover new things. At the same time, it presents challenges such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, grooming, and problematic content like hate comments, violence, or depictions of sexual abuse. As parents, you may wonder when and how a safe entry can be achieved, which networks to allow, and which to avoid.

Most platforms specify a minimum age of 13 or 16 years in their terms of use. In Germany, minors under 16 can only use social media with the consent of their parents. It is important that you decide individually whether your child has the maturity to handle personal data responsibly and recognize risks. The entry should be well-supported. Discuss together which networks your child is allowed to use and what special features they have. Check what privacy settings are available to ensure your child's profile is protected.

Talk to your child about the following risks:

Cyberbulling

Cybergrooming

Sextortion (blackmail of children who have sent intimate pictures or videos).

Leaving digital traces

Challenges on TikTok (competitions or tests of courage on TikTok, which can be harmless, but also risky and dangerous).

Phishing (obtaining sensitive data from other people on the Internet)

Identity theft (stealing a person's personal data/information for economic gain).

A media usage contract can help establish clear rules for usage, such as what content can be posted or how much time should be spent on networks. Stay in touch and encourage your child to talk openly with you about uncomfortable experiences.

Most social networks have an age rating of 13 or 16 years, e.g., TikTok and Instagram are for ages 13 and up, to protect children from inappropriate content and contacts. Actively accompany their usage and ensure that profile settings, such as privacy, are correctly configured.

Accompany their usage and discuss privacy settings with your child. Use the a password check and the Topic „Privacy“ for information. Also, sensitize your child to promotional content from influencers.

Establish rules together, e.g., regarding privacy, content, and time spent. Utilize the options of media usage contracts, such as the mobile phone agreement.

Download overview of social networks

Use our infographic to talk to your child about the distribution of images on social networks.