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Let’s start with something positive: scientists now think it’s how children use it – rather than how much – that actually influences whether they have a healthy relationship with social media. Which is to say, even if you worry your child is glued to their phone, by supporting them to use social media in a balanced way, you can help them have a more positive experience and feel more equipped to handle any difficulties they might encounter. Here’s how
Remind your child that there is no such thing as perfect. Unrealistic beauty standards online perpetuate the myth that perfection is attainable – no wonder Dove research found that 1 in 2 girls say toxic beauty advice causes low self esteem, and that a quarter of girls don’t think they look good enough without photo editing. Learn how social media filters are impacting body confidence and image to help them understand that behind an influencer’s picture there is likely some element of image manipulation.
Next, help them discover ways to feel more in control over what they consume. This might mean getting familiar with the apps they use yourself, to know their different functions. Teach your child how to hide or block content that makes them feel bad, and how to report content that is inappropriate. Make them feel empowered to unfollow accounts too.
Explore with them why social media and social relationships are about connection. Rather than passively consuming other people’s lives and sinking into the comparison trap, explain to them that social media can be a wonderful place to learn from others and make friends.
Help them seek out accounts of people who have similar hobbies or interests as them, such as music, sports or activism, then encourage them to use it more purposefully and interact, rather than simply scrolling. This relates to the content your child posts too. Discuss with them whether they feel pressure to post selfies, then help them think more creatively about what to post instead; things that reflect their personality and are less about their looks, perhaps.
Be their role model. Your own relationship with social media matters here too. Take note of the ways it impacts your wellbeing (when does it make you feel good? When does it make you feel bad?) and try to moderate your own usage. Be sure to speak with them openly about this process as you go through it, too.
Suggest a screen-free activity you can do together, such as crafts, baking or exercise. The benefits of this are twofold – not only does it give them some social media-free time, but it creates space for something called sideways listening. This is where the lack of intense eye contact can create a more relaxed space for your child to talk about anything that might be worrying them. With Dove research finding that 4 out of 5 girls want their parents to talk to them about how to manage toxic beauty advice online, while it can sometimes feel hard to start conversations about social media, it’s vital that you do.
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have accomplished things that I am proud of and that is what gives me my confidence and my beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
You aren’t meant to fade into the background."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Your worth has nothing to do with your weight."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
It was only when I realized that what makes you different and unique also makes you beautiful, that’s when my confidence grew."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
My beauty routine starts with embracing my own natural beauty and its uniqueness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Real beauty to me means challenging yourself to do the things you can’t and showing yourself kindness along the way."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have stopped trying so hard to fit in - my beautiful personality is written all over my face and that’s the only beauty I need."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I learned that beauty is from the heart, it’s all about kindness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I don't often see dark skin in the media, and skin conditions even less so. I want everyone to see that being a Black woman with vitiligo is a source of resilience and pride."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up as a transgender woman, I was pressured to change who I was to fit others' ideas about who a woman should be. Now I'm representing myself and my beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I want to shatter the stereotype that I need breasts to look like a woman. Choosing to live flat after my mastectomy has made be stronger and more confidenand that's truly beautiful."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I've carried three babies in this belly, and earned every grey hair. I want all mothers to see that their bodies are perfect just the way they are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
There's a lot of pressure for women to 'act their age'. I want to show that aging means continually growing and experiencing life beautifully."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Femininity is often depicted as a formula - cut your hair like this, wear that. To me, it's about loving yourself fearlessly for who you are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up, I never saw women wearing hijabs in media & advertising. Now girls can see me, achieving my career goals and defining beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I grew up surrounded by narrow ideas about how a woman should look and what she could be. I’ve overcome those limits and make no apologies for embracing my ambition and my natural beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I'm not worried about fitting into anyone else's ideas of beauty. As a brown-skinned multi-media creator, I want to redefine beauty to include all of us in the melanin pride community."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Women with Alopecia often feel that baldness will hold them back from realizing their full personal and professional potential. Showing the beauty of bald women helps open doors for us to opportunities that others take for granted."