Written by Nicole Ariya, Social Media Manager

Have you ever wondered why your “For You” page feels a little too personal sometimes?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “How do I keep it real online… without oversharing?”

As the Social Media Manager at Laurel Springs School, I spend a lot of time in the digital world (It’s literally my job!). I’ve seen how powerful social media can be and witnessed first-hand how it connects people, tells stories, and builds communities. But I’ve also learned that staying safe online isn’t just about privacy settings or avoiding scams. It’s about balance, boundaries, and being intentional about the way we show up online.

For Students: Own Your Space Online

A person’s online presence is like a digital fingerprint. But the best creators, influencers, and changemakers all have one thing in common: they’re mindful about what they share and how they connect.

Here are some social media safety tips to help students stay safe and authentic online:

1. Be unpredictable. It’s fun to post your routines, but keep some parts of your life private. If you post your morning walk at the same park every day, you’re sharing a pattern that could reveal your location. Switch it up!
2. Use your “close friends” list wisely. It’s great to have a list of close friends, but remember, close friends can still screenshot. Choose your online friends as carefully as you would your in-person friends.
3. Pause before you post. If something would be embarrassing or risky if it was shared out of context, it’s better not to share at all.
4. Don’t just consume, curate. Your feed influences your mood. Follow accounts that make you feel inspired or educated, and unfollow anyone who brings negativity into your space.
5. Play the long game. You might delete a post, but screenshots and archives live forever. If you wouldn’t want to have to explain something to a future college or employer, don’t post it. Your online reputation now will follow you into the future. Protect it.
6. Create first, scroll later. Before opening social media, do one creative thing first: write, draw, take a photo, or brainstorm a post idea. That small shift keeps you in charge of your time and energy.
7. Set intentional screen time goals: Use built-in tools like Screen Time (iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to track usage. Set app limits to help you stay mindful of your time online.
8. Protect your personal info: Never share your location, address, or other personal information publicly or in group settings. Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts and who can message you.
9. Use “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus Mode.” Turn it on during homework, family time, or bedtime. Protecting your focus is one of the healthiest habits you can build.
10. Choose kindness online: Your words can impact others more than you think. Lead with empathy and always comment, share, and engage thoughtfully.

For Parents: Be Your Student’s Partner in the Digital World

When it comes to online safety for students, parental involvement is key. But safety doesn’t mean surveillance; it means support, open communication, and trust.

Here’s how parents can help their teens build digital wellbeing and confidence:

1. Ask questions, stay curious. Initiate conversations about social media with your student in a positive way. Asking questions like, “What’s your favorite app?” and “What was your favorite thing you posted this week?” helps you to keep a pulse on how your student is utilizing social media in a way that promotes a deep and positive dialogue.
2. Share your own digital habits and lead by example! Talk about your social media experiences: what you’ve learned, what you love, and even what you’d do differently.
3. Co-create a “digital downtime.” Choose a time each day when everyone puts away devices. Family dinners or evening walks are perfect times to disconnect and recharge together.
4. Learn together. Explore new platforms side-by-side. Ask your student to teach you how they use TikTok or Instagram. It’s empowering for them and enlightening for you.
5. Treat mistakes as teachable moments. If your teen posts something they regret or experiences online negativity, guide them through the recovery process. What matters most is what they learn from it.

Platform Features That Help Keep Students Safe

Social media safety isn’t just about personal habits. Platforms are stepping up to protect young people too. Each major network now includes built-in tools and parental controls designed to protect teens while allowing positive participation.

Instagram – Instagram Parent’s Guide

• 13+ Content Policy: Limits sensitive content for users under 18.
• Parental Controls (Family Center): Track screen time, approve followers, and review reported posts.
• Hidden Words: Filter offensive comments and DMs with custom keyword lists.
• Instagram Map: Allows users to share their last active location with chosen friends. It is off by default and users must manually turn it on to share their location, but it is best to double check and make sure.

TikTok – TikTok Safety Center

• Family Pairing Mode: Parents can set screen time, manage messaging, and filter content.
• Private Accounts for 13–15-Year-Olds: Only approved followers can see posts.
• Screen Time Dashboard: Tracks usage and encourages healthy breaks.

Facebook – Meta Family Center

• Privacy Checkup: Guides users to adjust who sees posts, tagged photos, and personal info.
• Time Management Tools: Track screen time and set limits.
• Parent Education Hub: Step-by-step resources to teach online safety.

YouTube – YouTube Kids & Teens

• YouTube Kids: Curated content for younger audiences.
• Supervised Accounts: Parents can control access to different modes as children grow.
• Digital Wellbeing Tools: Remind students to take breaks and log off at bedtime.

Snapchat – Snapchat Family Center

• Private By Default: All snapchat accounts are private by default, setting teens off on the right foot.
• Family Center: In-app hub for parental tools and resources.
• Location Tracking: Request your teen’s location on Snap Map and view their privacy and safety settings.

Other Tools and Resources

• Common Sense Media – Provides detailed information on various kinds of media so you can be fully informed on what content your student is consuming.

A Final Thought

At Laurel Springs School, we believe that social media and online learning should empower students, not overwhelm them. With intention, guidance, and the right tools, teens can explore, create, and connect safely while building lifelong skills.

Whether a student chooses to participate in social media or not, learning to engage thoughtfully with technology is a skill that will serve them for years to come. 

Want to Learn More?

Learn more about our private online school and how our flexible program transforms students into lifelong learners by attending an upcoming open house.

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