Social Media

Social media and teens: a conversation about the conversation

a school gathering to watch screenagers
June 7, 2016
min read
Delaney Ruston, MD
a school gathering to watch screenagers

In Summary

TECH TALK TUESDAY #18
DO YOU TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCES?

3 girls looking at an ipad

Summer break is upon us and even though our kids won’t be on campus with their friends every day, they can keep the social scene alive on their favorite social media sites.

In a CNN Special Report about the network’s study on social media and teens child development experts found some disconnects between what parents think they know about how their kids are feeling and how kids report they are actually feeling. Almost 94% of parents underestimated the amount of fighting that happens over social media and 60% underestimated how lonely, worried and depressed their kids were. Instagram posts of happy selfies present an image that can fool even us. Subtly hurtful comments on Twitter can elude us.

A Common Sense Media study found that "the majority of tweens say their parents know 'a lot' about what they do on social media. "  But, as kids get a little older, that sentiment changes.  In that same study "teens say only about one third  of their parents know 'a lot' about what they do online or what they do on social media."

I believe in really connecting through in-person conversations with our kids and a good dose of quiet listening. Here are some questions to get the whole family started on sharing their experiences, beginning with yours:

  • We always try to start with positives so here's a nice place to start. What’s the good news on Instagram/Snapchat/Twitter this week? Favorite posts or photos?
  • Are your friends being “real” online lately?
  • How do you feel when friends post good news or fun times that didn’t involve you?
  • Has anything embarrassing or confusing happened online recently?
  • Is there anything you’ve seen online this week that you wish you could un-see?

As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel

continues below
Share
Facebook logo.Rightward curved arrow symbol for sharing or forwarding.
host a screening

Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!

Podcast

Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast

Learn more about our Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!

Screenagers elementary edition

Our movie made for parents and educators of younger kids

host a screening

Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!

host a screening

Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!

Podcast

Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast

Learn more about our Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!

Screenagers elementary edition

Our movie made for parents and educators of younger kids

Podcast

Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast

Get our latest posts and practical advice in your inbox, weekly.

You have subscribed to our emails. Thank you!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

We respect your privacy.

More Like This

Social Media

Social media and teens: a conversation about the conversation

Delaney Ruston, MD
Lisa Tabb smiling to camera (Screenagers Producer)
Lisa Tabb
June 7, 2016

As we’re about to celebrate 10 years of Screenagers, we want to hear what’s been most helpful and what you’d like to see next.

Please click here to share your thoughts with us in our community survey. It only takes 5–10 minutes, and everyone who completes it will be entered to win one of five $50 Amazon vouchers.

TECH TALK TUESDAY #18
DO YOU TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCES?

3 girls looking at an ipad

Summer break is upon us and even though our kids won’t be on campus with their friends every day, they can keep the social scene alive on their favorite social media sites.

In a CNN Special Report about the network’s study on social media and teens child development experts found some disconnects between what parents think they know about how their kids are feeling and how kids report they are actually feeling. Almost 94% of parents underestimated the amount of fighting that happens over social media and 60% underestimated how lonely, worried and depressed their kids were. Instagram posts of happy selfies present an image that can fool even us. Subtly hurtful comments on Twitter can elude us.

A Common Sense Media study found that "the majority of tweens say their parents know 'a lot' about what they do on social media. "  But, as kids get a little older, that sentiment changes.  In that same study "teens say only about one third  of their parents know 'a lot' about what they do online or what they do on social media."

I believe in really connecting through in-person conversations with our kids and a good dose of quiet listening. Here are some questions to get the whole family started on sharing their experiences, beginning with yours:

  • We always try to start with positives so here's a nice place to start. What’s the good news on Instagram/Snapchat/Twitter this week? Favorite posts or photos?
  • Are your friends being “real” online lately?
  • How do you feel when friends post good news or fun times that didn’t involve you?
  • Has anything embarrassing or confusing happened online recently?
  • Is there anything you’ve seen online this week that you wish you could un-see?

As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel

Join
443
others who have made the pledge!
Thank you for making the pledge!
Please try again
Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Order Here
Find A screening Button

Find a Screening - Find a screening of our movies in your local community

Learn More
Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a dark teal sweater, next to text: The Screenagers Podcast with Delaney Ruston, MD.

Screenagers Podcast - Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for the latest Podcast

Learn More
Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Learn More
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Parenting In The Screen Age Book Cover

Free Book Preview - Download a free preview of "Parenting In The Screen Age" by Delaney Ruston, MD

Learn More
The Screenagers Project title in bold white text on a dark blue background with teal underline and partially visible screenshots of a website behind.

Join Today - Members can screen and view our movies year-round, access new lesson plans, resources and much more!

Learn More
Screenagers Under The Influence Banner

Our New Movie - Learn more about the third movie in the Screenagers Trilogy

Learn More
YouTube play button icon next to the text 'SCREENAGERS YOUTUBE' on a dark blue background with images of web pages around the edges.

The Screenagers YouTube Channel - Subscribe for new videos and content from our team weekly!

Learn More
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Find A screening Button

Find a Screening - Find a screening of our movies in your local community

Learn More
Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a dark teal sweater, next to text: The Screenagers Podcast with Delaney Ruston, MD.

Screenagers Podcast - Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for the latest Podcast

Learn More
Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Learn More
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Parenting In The Screen Age Book Cover

Free Book Preview - Download a free preview of "Parenting In The Screen Age" by Delaney Ruston, MD

Learn More
The Screenagers Project title in bold white text on a dark blue background with teal underline and partially visible screenshots of a website behind.

Join Today - Members can screen and view our movies year-round, access new lesson plans, resources and much more!

Learn More
Screenagers Under The Influence Banner

Our New Movie - Learn more about the third movie in the Screenagers Trilogy

Learn More
YouTube play button icon next to the text 'SCREENAGERS YOUTUBE' on a dark blue background with images of web pages around the edges.

The Screenagers YouTube Channel - Subscribe for new videos and content from our team weekly!

Learn More
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

We respect your privacy.

Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Order Here
Find A screening Button

Find a Screening - Find a screening of our movies in your local community

Learn More
Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a dark teal sweater, next to text: The Screenagers Podcast with Delaney Ruston, MD.

Screenagers Podcast - Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for the latest Podcast

Learn More
Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Learn More
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Parenting In The Screen Age Book Cover

Free Book Preview - Download a free preview of "Parenting In The Screen Age" by Delaney Ruston, MD

Learn More
The Screenagers Project title in bold white text on a dark blue background with teal underline and partially visible screenshots of a website behind.

Join Today - Members can screen and view our movies year-round, access new lesson plans, resources and much more!

Learn More
Screenagers Under The Influence Banner

Learn more about the third movie in the Screenagers movie series

Learn More
YouTube play button icon next to the text 'SCREENAGERS YOUTUBE' on a dark blue background with images of web pages around the edges.

The Screenagers YouTube Channel - Subscribe for new videos and content from our team weekly!

Learn More
Six children standing outdoors using tablets and smartphones, with text overlay 'SCREEN AGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE EDITION'.

Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition - Learn more about our latest movie.

Learn More
Child sleeping peacefully in bed under a gray blanket with text saying 'Screen-Free Sleep' and cartoon purple Z's.

Learn more about the Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!

Visit Website
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Find A screening Button

Find a Screening - Find a screening of our movies in your local community

Learn More
Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a dark teal sweater, next to text: The Screenagers Podcast with Delaney Ruston, MD.

Screenagers Podcast - Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for the latest Podcast

Learn More
Book page button

Available now - Parenting in the Screen Age, from Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD

Learn More
Host a Screening Button

Community Screenings - Learn more about hosting your own Screenagers community screening event!

Learn More
Parenting In The Screen Age Book Cover

Free Book Preview - Download a free preview of "Parenting In The Screen Age" by Delaney Ruston, MD

Learn More
The Screenagers Project title in bold white text on a dark blue background with teal underline and partially visible screenshots of a website behind.

Join Today - Members can screen and view our movies year-round, access new lesson plans, resources and much more!

Learn More
Screenagers Under The Influence Banner

Screenagers Under The Influence - Learn more about this movie and watch the trailer.

Learn More
YouTube play button icon next to the text 'SCREENAGERS YOUTUBE' on a dark blue background with images of web pages around the edges.

The Screenagers YouTube Channel - Subscribe for new videos and content from our team weekly!

Learn More
Six children standing outdoors using tablets and smartphones, with text overlay 'SCREEN AGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE EDITION'.

Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition - Learn more about our latest movie.

Learn More
Child sleeping peacefully in bed under a gray blanket with text saying 'Screen-Free Sleep' and cartoon purple Z's.

Learn more about the Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!

Visit Website
Social Media

Social media and teens: a conversation about the conversation

Delaney Ruston, MD
June 7, 2016

TECH TALK TUESDAY #18
DO YOU TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCES?

3 girls looking at an ipad

Summer break is upon us and even though our kids won’t be on campus with their friends every day, they can keep the social scene alive on their favorite social media sites.

In a CNN Special Report about the network’s study on social media and teens child development experts found some disconnects between what parents think they know about how their kids are feeling and how kids report they are actually feeling. Almost 94% of parents underestimated the amount of fighting that happens over social media and 60% underestimated how lonely, worried and depressed their kids were. Instagram posts of happy selfies present an image that can fool even us. Subtly hurtful comments on Twitter can elude us.

A Common Sense Media study found that "the majority of tweens say their parents know 'a lot' about what they do on social media. "  But, as kids get a little older, that sentiment changes.  In that same study "teens say only about one third  of their parents know 'a lot' about what they do online or what they do on social media."

I believe in really connecting through in-person conversations with our kids and a good dose of quiet listening. Here are some questions to get the whole family started on sharing their experiences, beginning with yours:

  • We always try to start with positives so here's a nice place to start. What’s the good news on Instagram/Snapchat/Twitter this week? Favorite posts or photos?
  • Are your friends being “real” online lately?
  • How do you feel when friends post good news or fun times that didn’t involve you?
  • Has anything embarrassing or confusing happened online recently?
  • Is there anything you’ve seen online this week that you wish you could un-see?

As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel

More Like This

Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Explained
December 2, 2025
Social Media

Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Explained

It feels like we’re finally hitting a tipping point. The harms from social media in young people’s lives have been building for far too long, and bold solutions can’t wait any longer. That’s why what just happened in Australia is extremely exciting. Their new nationwide move marks one of the biggest attempts yet to protect kids online. And as we released a new podcast episode yesterday featuring a mother who lost her 14-year-old son after a tragic connection made through social media, I couldn’t help but think: this is exactly the kind of real-world action families have been desperate for. In today’s blog, I share five key things to understand about what Australia is doing because it’s big, it’s controversial, and it might just spark global change.

READ MORE >
Helping Our Kids Starts With Our Own Phone Habits
October 21, 2025
Social Media

Helping Our Kids Starts With Our Own Phone Habits

I hear from so many parents who feel conflicted about their own phone habits when it comes to modeling healthy use for their kids. They’ll say, “I tell my kids to get off their screens, but then I’m on mine all the time.” Today I introduce two moms who are taking on my One Small Change Challenge and share how you can try it too.

READ MORE >
How Social Media Warps Teens’ Ideas of “Healthy”
July 22, 2025
Social Media

How Social Media Warps Teens’ Ideas of “Healthy”

This week’s blog explores how influencers and social media promoting so-called “Healthy” ideals — from food rules to fitness fads — can quietly lead young people toward disordered eating. Featuring insights from Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a leading expert on eating disorders, we unpack how to spot harmful messages and start honest conversations with kids about wellness, body image, and what “healthy” really means.

READ MORE >

parenting in the screen age

for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.  

ORDER HERE
Parenting in the Screen Age book cover