How to make social media for kids safer, healthier, and more positive

Worried about what your child’s scrolling through on social media? You’re definitely not the only one. Between the endless videos, sneaky ads and not-so-subtle influencer plugs, it can feel like you’re playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole trying to keep up.

Good news: while screen time limits are still super important (more on that in a sec), one of the best things you can do is help your child curate what they’re actually seeing. The content itself matters—a lot. It’s not just about how much time they’re online, but what fills that time.

And it’s not all on you. Platforms like Instagram have finally started tightening things up. In New Zealand, Instagram has introduced “Teen Accounts” for users under 16, which automatically set profiles to private, restrict direct messages from unknown users, and limit exposure to inappropriate content. These accounts also feature a “Sleep Mode” that silences notifications during nighttime hours. Parental supervision tools are available, allowing parents to monitor messaging activity and manage usage time. Teens under 16 require parental permission to modify any safety settings. So that’s a small win. But what else can we do at home?

Read more: NZ Mums Reveal Their Favourite “Slow TV” Shows for Kids

Social media for kids: A quick guide

Setting Smarter Screen Time Boundaries

Let’s be honest, screen time rules are easier to write than they are to stick to—especially when you’ve got a toddler melting down over a paused Bluey episode. The World Health Organisation recommends no screen time at all for kids under 2, and just short, supervised bursts for preschoolers. They also remind us that sleep, play, and good food still need to come first.

But yeah, real life happens. That’s why it’s less about perfection and more about keeping screens in shared spaces so you can keep an eye on what’s being watched. If something sketchy pops up, you can jump in, explain why it’s a no-go, and steer them back to something better.

And as your kids get older, bring them into the convo. Ask them what feels like a good screen time limit. Research backs this up—kids who help set their own boundaries are more likely to actually stick to them (source: Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public). You might be surprised—sometimes they’re tougher on themselves than we’d be.

Keep an eye out for warning signs of screen overload too. If your child’s suddenly moody, not sleeping well, or pulling away from friends and family, it might be time to pause and reset. Creating good screen habits now can save you from bigger battles later.

Curating Their Feed: Why It’s a Big Deal

So here’s the thing: your child’s feed is more than just “funny videos” or “cute dogs” (though, more dogs, please). It shapes how they see the world—and themselves. If they’re being flooded with unrealistic beauty standards or overly persuasive ads, it can chip away at their self-esteem without them even realising.

Step one: unfollow. Sit down with your child and scroll through their feed together. Ask how certain posts make them feel. If something makes them feel yuck (even if they can’t explain why), it’s probably time to hit that unfollow button. And if they push back because “it’s funny,” take a moment to explain why it might not be the best influence. Give the algorithm a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Step two: add the good stuff. Find new accounts that are fun and feed their brain in a good way. It doesn’t all have to come from Instagram either—try a podcast, a YouTube channel, or a kid-friendly website that aligns with their interests. And yes, a quick check of the source is always a smart move.

Step three: talk about the why. Help your child understand how marketing works online. Influencers (yes, even kid influencers) are often getting paid to promote stuff. It’s their job to make you want it—even if you don’t need it. Teaching your child to ask questions like “Do I really want this?” or “How does this make me feel?” sets them up to be smarter, more conscious consumers long-term.

Dr. Michael Rich, aka the Mediatrician and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, reminds us that “media is not inherently bad, but it’s powerful. And with power comes responsibility—to help our kids understand and use it in ways that support their development.”

Read more: How to Set Up a Toy Rotation System That Actually Works for Your Family

Some Positive Accounts to Get You Started

Want to help your child fill their feed with more good vibes and fewer questionable ads? Here are some great accounts to follow that are fun, educational, and age-appropriate:

• Girls Who Code – @girlswhocode (Encouraging young girls to dive into coding and tech with fun, educational resources.)
• The Dodo – @thedodo (Heartwarming animal stories that teach empathy and kindness.)
• Luna’s Little Library – @lunaslittlelibrary (A delightful space for book lovers, sharing children’s books that inspire imagination.)
• GoNoodle – @gonoodle (Fun, active videos to get kids moving and engaged, perfect for physical activity and mindfulness.)
• Sesame Street – @sesamestreet (Classic educational content for kids, featuring beloved characters that teach important life lessons.)
• Storytime With Ms Booksy (YouTube) – @coolschool (Interactive storytelling with Ms Booksy, sparking children’s imagination through books.)
• Little Feminist Book Club – @littlefeministbookclub (A monthly subscription promoting feminist literature for young readers.)
• National Geographic Kids – @natgeokids (Exploring the world with fun facts, animals, and nature education.)
• StoryCorps – @storycorps (Real stories that foster understanding, empathy, and conversation across generations.)
• Khan Academy Kids – @khanacademykids (Free educational resources for younger children, focused on building foundational learning skills.)
• The Kid Should See This – @thekidshouldseethis (Thought-provoking, educational videos covering a range of topics to spark curiosity and learning.)
• Te Papa – @tepapa (New Zealand’s national museum sharing educational content about history, culture, and science for kids.)

These are the kinds of accounts that’ll have your kids learning something cool or being uplifted, instead of sucked into a spiral of “unboxing” videos and weird snack challenges.

Bottom line? Social media doesn’t have to be the enemy. With a bit of guidance, some open convos, and a few well-placed unfollows, your child’s digital world can be a lot brighter. You’ve got this.