Social media: how to stay involved as a parent.

Social media: how to stay involved as a parent.

Social media are no longer to be ignored in the lives of children. They chat with friends, scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and discover the world online. Chapter 1 of De Staat van de Ouder 2026 is about social media. It shows that parents see and accept social media, but it also raises questions and concerns.

Parents understand the importance, but sometimes lack clarity

The research of the staat van de ouder 2026 shows that parents do not always see social media as ‘just’ that. Parents also see that it is an important part of their child’s social life. But many parents also feel insecure. The online world is large, changes quickly, and often takes place out of their sight. What does their child encounter? Who do they contact? And what does that do to their well-being?

Tip for parents: let your child explain what they do online. By being curious instead of controlling, you will keep the conversation going more easily. Your child will probably also feel freer to share what they do and see online.

The biggest concerns are influence and safety

Parents are mainly worried about what social media do to their child. These concerns often go about:

• contact with strangers
• peer pressure or online bullying
• influence of influencers
• and the effect on self-image

Tip for parents: make agreements together with your child about using social media and screen time. So do not just impose rules. For example, discuss when and how long your child is online, what can and cannot be shared on social media, and what to do if something does not feel right. By making agreements together, it is easier for your child to have an open attitude and to follow the agreements.

Balance between letting go and guiding

An important part of the chapter on social media in the Staat van de Ouder 2026 is finding the balance between control and letting go of your child. Parents want to protect their child, but also give them space to discover on their own. This can be a difficult combination to find. Especially with older children, it can be that the more you control, the less your child tells.

Tip for parents: Keep having the conversation, even when your child gets older. Show interest and ask open questions like: “what do you like about Snapchat?” or “what do you come across on Instagram?” This keeps the barrier low for sharing things.

Raising children in a digital world asks something new of parents

The world of children takes place largely online. Many parents indicate in the Staat van de Ouder that they need more knowledge about social media, practical tools, and support in digital upbringing. And that is logical. Many parents did not learn this themselves when they were young.

Tip for parents: It is normal to have questions about social media, screen time, or to be curious about how others handle this. Look for information, talk with other parents or discuss it at school. Some schools organize information or parent evenings with themes around digitalization. Or maybe you have a specific question about digitalization at school? Then contact the advice point of Ouders & Onderwijs.