Short Tutorial/FAQ – Guidelines For Social Media Use By Children

Question: At what age should children be allowed to use social media?

Answer: While social media can offer benefits like social connection, learning, and entertainment, it can also be stressful and introduce content that might not be appropriate for your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until children are at least age 13 before starting social media accounts like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. However, every child is different. One 13-year-old may be ready for a social media account, but another 16-year-old may not be. It depends on their unique traits and characteristics.

Although the minimum age for creating a social media account is 13, many tweens (aged 8 to 12) report using social media. How are underage users able to sign up for accounts? It's easy to make up an older age by entering a fake birthday. Some social media platforms are starting to use age verification, but this doesn't happen on all platforms.

As you consider what's best for your child, keep in mind that studies have generally found increased risks for negative outcomes in children who were younger than age 13. One survey found that kids who started social media at age 10 or younger were more likely to be victims of online harassment and more likely to have online friends or social media accounts that parents would disapprove of.

A popular movement called "Wait Until 8th" advocates delaying smartphones and social media until at least eighth grade (around age 13–14) to protect children during vulnerable development years.