Keeping children safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids ========== Navigating social media as a parent and child is challenging. Most American teenagers use social media platforms daily, with TikTok being the most popular. Concerns about the effects of social media on young people have led to discussions on child online safety. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act prohibits kids under 13 from using platforms that advertise to them without parental consent. However, online privacy is not the only concern; bullying, harassment, and mental health issues are also prevalent. There is no consensus on the ideal age for kids to join social media, but experts suggest waiting until they are older. Some tech executives and parents have banned their kids from social media altogether, but this can lead to isolation. Parents should start early by discussing social media with their children and setting limits. Educating kids about the negative aspects of social media and using parental controls can also be helpful. However, it is unfair to expect parents to manage rapidly evolving technology on their own. Lawmakers are proposing regulations to increase the age limit for social media, but verifying age is challenging. Overall, parents and teens need to be aware of the risks and have open discussions about social media use. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/keeping-children-safe-social-media-parents-protect-kids-110885553