How to Help Your Kids Navigate Instagram and TikTok

We've talked a lot about the impact that social media apps like Instagram and TikTok have on kids. But now that the world has largely returned to in-person gatherings, the FOMO created by these apps is bigger than ever. Combine that with the fact that preteen girls and teenage girls have a reputation of not being the nicest people on the planet, and… well, it's a mess.

There's no way in the world to keep kids off social media. The question becomes: What do you do now? These apps are offering life skills that 10-13-year-olds need to know: slang, vernacular, and unique idioms necessary to communicate and “fit in.” If you restrict your kids from accessing these apps, you're taking away the evolution of communication from your kids at the time when they are developing the social skills to communicate.

We share the first-hand experiences we've seen with our kids and grandkids, as well as the learning experiences and teachable moments we've encountered because of these apps.