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Safe Social Media Use Resources for Youth, Families, and Community Allies
- Mili Mehta
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Social media is a big part of life for most people today—but figuring out how it affects your mental health can be confusing. While apps and platforms can offer connection, self-expression, and even support, they can also expose users to pressure, harmful content, and negative comparisons. That’s especially true during adolescence, when you're going through lots of changes and still figuring out who you are.
Spending too much time online or seeing upsetting posts can increase stress, anxiety, or feelings of not being enough. On the flip side, learning how to use social media in a healthy, balanced way—and knowing when to unplug—can make a big difference in your emotional wellbeing.
Whether you're navigating your own social media use or helping someone else, the resources below offer tips, tools, and information for young people, caregivers, and other community allies who want to support safe and mindful use of technology.
Find resources for safe social media use for youth, families, and community allies below.
For a full list of resources for safe social media use for youth, families, and schools, visit our toolkits for youth & families or schools.
Resources for Safe Social Media Use for Youth & Young Adults
A youth-led, peer mentoring & education program exploring the ME in media providing insights, strategies & stories to support healthy engagement.
The Social Institute > An educational platform that empowers students to make positive choices on social media and technology through curriculum grounded in character development and resilience.
Young Minds > A UK-based mental health nonprofit offering advice, information, and real stories to help youth reflect on their relationship with social media.
A nonprofit organization advocating for responsible tech use, with a dedicated youth section providing info, tools, videos, and tips to help young people rethink their relationship with social media.
Resources for Safe Social Media Use for Parents & Families
A youth-led, peer mentoring & education program exploring the ME in media providing insights, strategies & stories to support healthy engagement, including tips and guides for parents.
Independent nonprofit providing age-based media reviews, tech advice, and tools for navigating social media and screen time with kids and teens.
A federal public health advisory that outlines research-backed recommendations for safer digital use and guidance for families.
A research-based initiative that provides resources and strategies to help parents prevent and respond to online harassment and cyberbullying.
Resources for Safe Social Media Use for Schools
An academic research center exploring how media and technology affect child development, with resources for educators, clinicians, and families.
A federal public health advisory that outlines research-backed recommendations for safer digital use.
A nonprofit resource hub offering guidance, activities, and curricula to help educators support students in navigating technology use and its effects on wellbeing.
For a full list of resources for safe social media use for youth, families, and schools, visit our toolkits for youth & families or schools.
