As we move toward the end of the year and reflect on how best to support the wellbeing of our students, one topic continues to surface in conversations with
parents, teachers, and children alike: social media and online safety.
The digital world is woven into daily life—our children learn from it, play in it, and connect through it. And while technology brings enormous benefits, it also brings responsibilities that we must navigate together as a school community.
When Should Children Be on Social Media?
One of the most common questions families ask is, “What age is appropriate for social media?” Most major platforms—including WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube’s comment-enabled spaces—set their minimum age at 12 or 13. These
age restrictions are based on international child-protection standards and are designed to create a basic safeguard around data collection, online interactions, and content exposure.But even with age limits in place, the digital world remains complex. Children are naturally curious, and algorithms can be unpredictable. That’s why parental involvement is not only encouraged—it’s essential.
Understanding the Risks: Even Child-Focused Platforms Have Gaps
A common misconception among parents is that platforms like YouTube or YouTube Kids are entirely safe because of built-in filters. Unfortunately, research continues to show that no automated system is perfect.
– A 2019 academic study discovered that many child-targeted videos included disturbing or inappropriate elements.
– A 2022 follow-up study found that harmful content still managed to bypass moderation tools.
– A 2022 systematic review concluded that children using platforms such as YouTube were routinely exposed to violent, sexual, or emotionally distressing content—even when starting with harmless searches.
– A 2024 University of Michigan study reported that children were frequently recommended frightening clickbait videos despite searching for typical kids’ topics.
Experts in online child safety emphasise that any platform allowing user-generated content, recommendations, or interaction can create opportunities for exposure to inappropriate material or, in some cases, predatory behaviour.This doesn’t mean children should never use YouTube—it simply highlights the importance of active supervision, conversations, and boundaries.
Sharing Children Online: Why Consent Matters
Another key area that we, as a school, want to emphasise is the sharing of children’s images and names online. Many parents share photos with pride—capturing milestones, friendships, achievements, and daily joys. However, once an image or a
name is uploaded to the internet, it becomes part of a digital footprint that is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to fully erase.
Posting a child’s image can inadvertently reveal:
their name
their school
their uniform
their friendships
their location or routine
For families with heightened safety or privacy needs, even small details can pose risks. This is why we kindly ask parents to refrain from sharing photos or names of other students online without written consent from both the school and the child’s parent or guardian. This includes group photos at school events, playdates, birthday parties, sports matches, and after-school activities. It’s not about restricting parents—it’s about protecting every child’s right to privacy and safety.
Building Safe Digital Habits Together
Our aim is not to create fear around technology, but rather to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to guide children safely through the online world. Here are a few simple, effective steps that experts recommend:
Keep devices in family or shared spaces.
Stay curious—ask your child what they are watching or playing.
Check privacy settings regularly.
Set clear boundaries around screen time.
Encourage children to speak up when something feels uncomfortable or confusing.
Explore child-friendly, parent-reviewed platforms together.
As a school, we are committed to ongoing education, awareness, and partnership with our families. Next term, we will explore this topic in greater detail through workshops and discussions designed to support parents and students alike.
Moving Forward—Together
The digital world is here to stay, and when approached with care and collaboration, it can be a space where children learn, grow, and thrive. By staying informed and connected as a community, we can help every child develop the confidence and
skills they need to navigate online spaces safely. Thank you for walking this journey with us, and for continuing to place your trust in our shared commitment to student wellbeing.