[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
One of the toughest things about being a parent is facing the fact that our kids are exposed to things in the world that we wish they weren\u2019t. No matter how much we try to keep them away from things that can bring mental or emotional harm, the reality is they will see and hear things we wish they wouldn\u2019t have to deal with until they\u2019re older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This includes exposure to violence on social media and elsewhere online. Whether it\u2019s graphic footage of war zones, self-harm, violent attacks, school fights, or aggressive \u201cprank\u201d videos, violent content is increasingly prevalent\u2013 even when kids aren\u2019t intending to find it.<\/span><\/p>\n You may think your child isn\u2019t seeing these things, but they probably are. Whether it\u2019s through a friend\u2019s screen, a trending video, or their own feed, most kids come across violent material online (and often long before their brains are ready to make sense of it). That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for parents to proactively talk about violence on social media, rather than waiting for a problem to arise.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from parents is: \u201cI don\u2019t think my child has seen anything violent online, so I don\u2019t want to bring it up and upset them.\u201d This is a mistake, as talking about it appropriately won\u2019t expose them to something they otherwise wouldn\u2019t know about. <\/span>Chances are, they\u2019ve already been exposed.<\/b> In fact, recent research shows that <\/span>70% of teens have been exposed to real-life violence on social media<\/span><\/a>. Addressing the issue openly lets them know you\u2019re a safe and open person to talk to when they do encounter something disturbing, and you can give them the support they need to process and move through it.<\/span><\/p>\n What\u2019s worse than a child being exposed to something violent is the child having to manage the inevitable feelings and questions alone<\/b>. They need the guidance and support of trusted adults to help them make sense of what they\u2019ve seen, talk through their feelings, and develop healthy coping strategies when they experience distress in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Violent images and videos (especially those viewed repeatedly or unexpectedly) can take a toll on children\u2019s emotional health and development in a variety of ways, depending on age and personality. In fact, young people themselves are aware of this. Research shows that <\/span>kids report issues<\/b><\/a> with sleep, focus, and recurring anxious thoughts following exposure to violent online content<\/b> \u2013 especially when it was unexpected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some of the more common symptoms related to violent content exposure include:<\/span><\/p>\n These effects can be more intense in younger children, or in kids with existing mental health concerns. That\u2019s why parent involvement in digital media use is essential. It\u2019s not just for setting boundaries, but for guiding kids in processing what they experience online.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Whether your child is five or fifteen, the goal isn\u2019t a one-time \u201cbig talk.\u201d It\u2019s about creating a pattern of open, <\/span>age-appropriate conversations<\/span><\/a> where they feel safe asking questions and sharing concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n For younger children (ages 5\u20139)<\/b><\/p>\n Keep things simple and reassuring.<\/span><\/p>\n For tweens (ages 10\u201313)<\/b><\/p>\n At this stage, kids are often exposed to greater amounts of digital content, and peer influence becomes more powerful.<\/span><\/p>\n For teens (ages 14\u201318)<\/b><\/p>\n This is an age for promoting critical thinking and engaging in dialogue. Some teens may downplay their exposure or reactions, but that doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t affected.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/06\/25124201\/2025-06-Blog-How-to-talk-to-your-child-about-violence-on-social-media_InsideImage.png” alt=”talking to your child about violence on social media” title_text=”2025-06-%91Blog%93-How-to-talk-to-your-child-about-violence-on-social-media_InsideImage” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As is true for so much of what we encounter in parenting, one of the most powerful things you can do is <\/span>validate your child\u2019s emotional response to what they\u2019ve seen.<\/b> This means listening without interrupting, resisting the urge to \u201cfix it,\u201d and simply acknowledging what they\u2019re going through.<\/span><\/p>\n Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid saying things like \u201cIt\u2019s not that bad,\u201d \u201cIt didn\u2019t even happen here,\u201d or \u201cJust ignore it.\u201d These comments, even if well-meaning, can make kids feel ashamed or silenced.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some distress following exposure to disturbing online content is natural, but if your child is still having strong emotional reactions days or weeks later, or if you notice significant ongoing changes in their behavior, appetite, sleep, or school performance, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional.<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019re not failing as a parent if your child needs extra support, and it doesn\u2019t mean something is \u201cwrong\u201d with them. <\/span>Sometimes kids need specific strategies or professional support to process difficult things<\/b> in a healthy way. A skilled child therapist can also provide you with education and tools for navigating these things with your kids.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Violent content often spreads because it\u2019s shocking. Kids who understand this are more empowered to choose what they consume and how they respond. Use these situations as opportunities to help kids develop better media literacy and healthy digital media behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some questions to get kids thinking about the content they consume online:<\/span><\/p>\n Empower kids to take actions that reduce problematic content exposure and show them how you do the same.<\/b> Talk about unfollowing accounts that regularly post harmful content, taking breaks from social media, using device\/app\/platform settings to reduce specific types of undesired content, and <\/span>curating a feed that encourages positivity<\/span><\/a> rather than harm.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I say this often, but it\u2019s critical to repeat here \u2013<\/span> if we\u2019re going to allow our kids access to devices and digital media, then installing and using parent controls is essential. <\/b>This is part of a comprehensive solution to reducing the amount of violent (and other inappropriate) content our kids are exposed to. However, parental controls aren\u2019t enough on their own. Filters and blockers can’t catch everything, especially when kids have access to friends\u2019 devices, group chats, or less regulated platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why <\/span>ongoing involvement of parents is key to communicate, encourage, problem solve, and continue addressing digital media use<\/b> together.<\/span><\/p>\n Parental control tools<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio make it easier to manage screen time, <\/span>track app use<\/span><\/a>, and filter inappropriate content. Using the tools built into devices and apps is also important. However, these tools work best for families when combined with ongoing conversations, empathy, and mutual trust.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy these conversations matter<\/b><\/h2>\n
Violent content and child mental health<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Start with open, ongoing conversations<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Let kids feel what they feel – without judgement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Know when to seek extra support<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Help kids build media literacy and boundaries<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Why parental controls are part of the solution<\/strong> <\/h2>\n