Alexandria, VA – In today’s fast-paced world, social media has become an inescapable part of our lives—both for teens and their parents. For many, platforms like Instagram are more than just apps—they’re the primary way we connect, share, and discover new things. But as parents, we can’t help but wonder: How is all this screen time affecting our kids, especially as they navigate the tricky waters of adolescence?
Recently, two significant shifts caught the attention of many Alexandria families. First, Bishop Ireton High School boldly banned cell phones and smart devices during the school day. This decision reflects a growing concern about the distractions these devices create in classrooms and students’ overall development and well-being.
The goal? To foster an environment where students can focus more on learning and less on the latest TikTok trend. It’s a move that might cause some grumbling, but it’s hard to argue with the intent behind it—after all, fewer distractions can lead to more meaningful interactions and deeper engagement in learning.
At the same time, Instagram announced a series of updates to protect teen users. These changes include defaulting accounts to private, limiting who can message teens, and applying stricter content controls.
These updates seem like a win for parents who worry about their teens’ online safety. But they also raise questions about how these changes will shape teens’ social interactions and mental health.
It’s important to remember that teens aren’t the only ones engaging with social media—parents are too. And while we might be quick to monitor our kids’ online activity, it’s worth reflecting on our own. Are we setting the example we hope our teens will follow? How are our own habits influencing the digital norms in our households?
For instance, by defaulting accounts to private, Instagram is making it harder for strangers to connect with teens. This change is a step in the right direction, but it could also lead to feelings of isolation if teens feel their online presence is too limited.
Additionally, the new content controls are designed to shield teens from potentially harmful material, yet they may also create a sense of being overly monitored, leading to pushback from teens who crave independence. How will teens balance their need for connection with the new barriers Instagram places in their way? And how will these barriers affect their sense of self and belonging in a digital world that often feels like a lifeline?
Both the school’s decision and Instagram’s updates underscore the delicate balance between protecting our teens and allowing them the freedom to grow and explore. As parents, we’re tasked with navigating these changes alongside our children, helping them understand the importance of safety while also respecting their need for autonomy. And as fellow social media users, we can reflect on how our digital behaviors shape the household norms and attitudes that influence our teens.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the challenges and opportunities for our teens and us. By staying informed and engaged, we can help our teens navigate this complex world, ensuring that their experiences with social media are as positive and healthy as possible. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we can continue supporting our kids as they grow—online and offline—into the confident, capable adults we know they can be. After all, they’re not just learning how to use technology—they’re learning from us how to live in a world where technology is intertwined with every aspect of life.
Your parent’s heart is full of wisdom—Be WISE!
Got questions? Need support? Connect with our practice on social @wisefamilies and with me @heydoctoramy! Let’s make your family life as awesome as it can be!
Dr. Amy Fortney Parks has over 30 years of experience as an educator, psychologist, and clinical supervisor. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology, specializing in child and adolescent developmental neuroscience. Dr. Parks founded WISE Family Wellness and the Clinical Supervision Directory. She is a clinical supervisor, adjunct professor, international speaker, podcast host of *Supervision Simplified*, and soon-to-be author. A native Alexandrian, she enjoys reading teen fiction, mixing Bloody Marys, and hanging with friends with boats. Connect with her on social at @heydoctorparks.
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