Social Media Guide

In this digital age, where technology and online platforms play a significant role in our daily lives, social media has become almost unavoidable – especially for young people. According to the latest UK data, 91% of 12-15-year-olds and 97% of 16-17-year-olds use social media and in 2019, the Guardian reported that the average teenager spent one to three hours on social media every day. 

At Llanishen High School, 51% of parents said that their teenager checks social media every few hours, while an additional 30% believe it’s checked hourly. 

For Gen Z (people born between 1996 and 2010) and Gen Alpha (those born during or after 2010), it’s second nature, an everyday necessity for checking in with friends, keeping up appearances (and their Snapchat streak) and staying in the loop with the latest trends. So as their online world continues to grow and evolve, parents (and teachers) must equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure their teenagers’ safety, well-being, and privacy online. In today’s world, key threats include inappropriate content, predators, cyberbullying and more. It’s a lot for any parent to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

That’s why we recently surveyed Llanishen High School parents across all year groups to understand their biggest concerns when it comes to social media, their teenager’s social media use, as well as the challenges they face when it comes to addressing issues around social media.

We’ve taken on board this feedback and in this guide, we’ll provide you with practical tips, useful insights, and proactive ways to address key concerns such as staying safe online, maintaining mental health, combating bullying, and safeguarding.

Mrs Sarah Parry

Headteacher