Social Media Awareness for Young People
- eggbucklandcc
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
Dear Parents and carers,
This week in school the children have had assemblies and discussions with regards to social media.
Studies have found that the average screen time for 11-18 year old is between 7.5- 9 hours daily, and with this there can be both positives, but also risks that can affect young people.
Supporting young people through developing their skills in an online world can be challenging, and it is hoped this bulletin can offer guidance and spark conversations at home around social media and technology use.
1. Wellbeing & Mental Health Impacts
Potential Risks
• Comparison and self-esteem: Seeing edited or idealised images can affect self-confidence and body image.
• Pressure to be available 24/7: Young people may feel they must respond immediately to messages, which can increase stress.
• Exposure to harmful content: This includes unrealistic beauty standards, dieting trends, or violent/disturbing material.
• Cyberbullying: Negative comments or exclusion online can have a significant emotional impact. Children can behave uncharacteristically in group chats which can be unexpected.
2. Sleep Risks
Sleep is essential for learning, emotional stability, and physical health. Social media can disrupt this when:
• Devices are used late at night (“just one more scroll”)
• Blue light exposure delays the brain’s production of melatonin
• Online conversations or anxieties keep the mind active
• Night-time notifications disrupt sleep cycles
Tip: The NHS recommends teenagers get 8–10 hours of sleep per night.
3. Online Safety Concerns
Young people may be exposed to:
• Contact risks: Unwanted approaches from strangers
• Content risks: Inappropriate, harmful, or illegal material
• Conduct risks: Sharing personal information, posting impulsively, or being pressured into risky behaviour
• Privacy risks: Data sharing, location tracking, or accounts being hacked
Helping children understand digital footprints is key—what they share online can last a long time.
Top Tips for Parents & Carers
1. Encourage Open Conversations
• Discuss screen time, compare your own screen time too!
• Show interest rather than judgement, ask curious questions
• Encourage young people to talk about anything online that upsets, confuses, or worries them.
• Discuss what “healthy” and “unhealthy” online behaviour looks like.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together
• Agree on device-free times, such as during meals or 1 hour before bed.
• Create a family digital agreement – co-designed rules get better buy-in.
• Use features such as downtime, screen-time limits, or focus modes (without making it punitive).
3. Support Privacy & Safety Settings
Help children to:
• Use private accounts
• Limit who can message or follow them
• Turn off location settings
• Block or report inappropriate content
4. Model positive behaviour
• Embed the importance of kindness, both on tech and in real life.
• Support children to consider the nature of posts or messages.
5. Look Out for Signs of Concern
• Changes in mood, secrecy, or withdrawal
• Disrupted sleep or difficulty waking
• Declining school performance
• Sudden loss of interest in offline activities
If something seems “not quite right,” start with gentle curiosity and reassurance.
Helpful Resources for Parents
Online Safety & Digital Wellbeing
Childnet – Guides on apps, social media, and online safety:
ThinkUKnow (CEOP) – Support around online risks and how to report:
Internet Matters – Age-specific safety guides and device tutorials:
NSPCC Online Safety Hub – Practical tools and advice:
Support for Reporting Harmful Content
Report Harmful Content – Help for reporting dangerous or upsetting material:
Any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via the safeguarding email on safeguarding@eggbuckland.com
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