Social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram are immensely popular among children and young people: Ofcom found that 96% of children have their own profile on at least one of these platforms by the age of 17. These apps feature short-form, algorithmically tailored content ensuring that their users spend as long as possible viewing posts and videos.
As parents and educators, it is vital for us to safeguard the children in our care if – or more likely, when – they use social media. However, the question then becomes “what exactly can we do?” This week’s expert-led guide is here to answer precisely that, offering top-level advice on keeping children and young people safe as they navigate the digital landscape.