When Is the Right Time for Social Media?

At the Community Service Board of Middle Georgia, our mental health professionals are often asked: “When should my child be allowed to start using social media?”

It’s an important question. While many platforms set the minimum age at 13, research and experience tell us that readiness depends on the individual child. Emotional maturity, self-regulation, and open communication are just a few of the factors that matter more than age alone (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025).

We encourage parents and caregivers to ask reflective questions: Is my child comfortable talking about what they see online? Can they handle peer pressure? Do we have a plan for managing screen time and digital boundaries?

Supporting youth as they grow into responsible digital citizens is part of CSBMG’s broader mission. We’re here to help families navigate these conversations with confidence and care.

Citation:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, March). Q&A Portal Spotlight: What Age Is Right for Social Media? Center of Excellence. https://www.aap.org/socialmedia