Most social media sites are not designed to be used by children under the age of 13. However we know that by the end of primary school, lots of children will be asking to access these apps/sites, and research shows that a large number of children have created at least one social media profile before they are at the age required to do so (usually 13).
It is important to respect the Terms of Use of any site, and register with the correct age, as there are often sophisticated layers of protection in place for younger users. If a site discovers underage users on their service, they will delete these accounts. It is also often possible to make a report if you become aware of underage profiles.
Before children start using social media, it is important that they are equipped with the skills to stay safe online and to use these services responsibly. If you know of a child under the age of 13 who is interested in, or already using, social media, here are some top tips for you. Maintaining an open and honest dialogue with children, and showing interest in their online activities, will help them feel more comfortable coming to you when they need help.
Top Tips
- Talk to the children you work with about why age limits are important – e.g. because these sites/games are used by adults too, because users can contact each other, because of the content that can be seen or shared etc. Encourage the children to talk to their parents / carers if they are using social media without their knowledge, to ensure that they are helped at home to use it safely.
- Ensure that children know what personal information is, and what is ok to share / not share online. E.g. using a nickname rather than a real name where possible.
- Familiarise yourself with the most popular social media apps/sites and understand the privacy options that are available to younger users, and the reporting / blocking features that are provided.
Our SMART cartoons provide great safety tips for children aged 8-11, and they may also enjoy exploring our primary pages.