With the rapid rise of social media, today’s teens are growing up in an online world where platforms like Instagram are integral to their social lives. But for Black parents, navigating this world alongside their teens presents unique challenges and opportunities. Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a parent coach, shares insights on how parents can foster healthy online habits, build trust, and establish boundaries around social media.

Understanding Screen Time Needs for Black Teens

Recent studies highlight a few essential trends regarding internet access and social media use among Black teens:

• Access via Mobile Devices: A Pew Research Center study found that African American teens are more likely to access the internet through mobile devices than their white or Hispanic peers. This mobile access often results in more frequent and constant connectivity.
• High Online Engagement: The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education reports that Black and Latinx teens spend more time online compared to their white peers. This time online can be a double-edged sword, offering opportunities for connection and learning while also posing risks like scams, overuse, and online bullying.
• Barriers to Digital Innovation: Education Week highlights how African American teens, particularly those from low-income households, often face barriers in accessing the technology they need. Without equitable access, these teens may miss out on digital innovation skills and learning opportunities that many of their peers gain online.

In this context, Instagram’s new features for teens, such as “Teen Accounts,” are more important than ever. Designed to promote digital wellness and safety, Teen Accounts offers tools to help parents set parameters and build trust around social media use.

Starting the Conversation: Building Trust and Setting Boundaries

One of the most effective ways to guide teens through social media use is to foster open, trust-based conversations. Here are some strategies Dr. Lockhart suggests for discussing screen time with your teens:

1. Ask Why They Want to Use Social Media
   Getting curious is key. Approach the conversation from a place of understanding by asking your teen why they want to be on social media. Are they looking to connect with friends, follow favorite celebrities, or learn something new? Understanding their motivation helps you approach the conversation without judgment and build a stronger, more trusting relationship.
2. Avoid Punishment Spirals
   Rather than removing their phone as a punishment—which can feel like an attack on their independence—teach skills that help them make better decisions. Dr. Lockhart warns against the “punishment spiral,” where a parent’s repeated removal of privileges leads to more rebellious behavior rather than growth. Instead, teach executive functioning skills, such as impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation, which are invaluable for both online and offline life.
3. Use Instagram’s Teen Features to Set Guardrails
   Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature guardrails such as “Sleep Mode” and daily screen time limits, which can be set collaboratively with your child. Setting these limits together and even putting them in writing can reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings later. For example, Sleep Mode allows teens to have uninterrupted rest by disabling notifications during certain hours. Time limits, like a daily 30-minute cap, can also help them balance online and offline activities.

Addressing Risks and Promoting Digital Literacy

Black teens are more active on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat than their white or Hispanic peers, according to Pew Research. This makes it crucial to discuss digital safety early and regularly.

1. Discuss Scams and Online Exploitation
   Topics like scams and sextortion might seem intense, but addressing them can protect your child from harmful situations. Scammers may attempt to pressure teens into sending compromising images, only to use those images for extortion later. Instagram’s recent education campaign addresses these issues, offering resources to help teens recognize and report suspicious behavior. Start by asking your child, “Have you heard about any scams going around?” and then share what you know to create an open dialogue.
2. Role-play Responses to Unsafe Situations
   Prepare your teen for potential online risks by role-playing possible scenarios. For example, ask, “If someone sent you a suspicious message, what would you do?” Help them understand that they can block or report suspicious accounts on Instagram, and make sure they know about the Family Center’s resources on managing online safety.
3. Set Up Phone-Free Zones
   Dr. Lockhart emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy phone habits. Establish specific phone-free times, such as during meals, vacations, or family game nights, to show that phones don’t always have to be part of every experience. This approach helps teens understand that being present and device-free is sometimes valuable, setting an example for their own future phone habits.

Tailoring Conversations to Fit Your Family’s Needs

One conversation rarely fits all. “Don’t wait until they’re 13 to have these discussions,” says Dr. Lockhart. “Each child is different, and so is each conversation.” Regularly update these discussions as your children grow and as new social media features emerge. Explain your reasoning behind social media guidelines and share how you, too, make thoughtful choices online.

Leveraging Meta’s Family Center for Guidance

If you’re unsure where to start or want ongoing support, visit Meta’s Family Center. This platform offers a wealth of resources and tools to help parents navigate digital safety, manage screen time, and even connect with other parents for support. The Family Center also provides an overview of Instagram’s teen safety features, giving parents additional confidence when discussing online boundaries with their children.

As Black parents, we understand the pressures and complexities our teens face in a world where social media is an extension of their lives. By using these practical strategies and Meta’s Family Center as a guide, you can support your child in building a balanced, healthy relationship with social media. Through ongoing conversations, curiosity, and boundary-setting, we can empower our teens to make smart, safe choices on platforms like Instagram.