Some #parentingtips to help your kids navigate social media safely

March 21, 2025 Swedish Pediatrics Team
In this article: 
  • It’s no secret that today’s social media landscape is challenging—sometimes even downright dangerous—and should be navigated with care by kids and adults alike.
  • Monitoring kids' social media usage and presence is essential for ensuring thier emotional (and physical) well-being and safety.
  • Check out this episode of our Talk With A Doc podcast featuring Dr. Elizabeth Meade, a pediatric medical director at Swedish, who discusses ways you can help your kids get the most out of social media while protecting them from the worst of the online world.  

Like most parents, you probably have concerns about what your kids are liking, sharing and seeing on multiple social media platforms. A Swedish expert has some guidance that can help you and your family enjoy the best of social media safely. Elizabeth Meade, M.D., FAAP, IBCLC, a pediatric medial director at Providence Swedish, joined our Talk With A Doc podcast recently to discuss social media's affect on children and teenagers. Listen to the episode here.

Dr. Meade, who is also a speaker for the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, emphasizes the importance of teaching kids how to use social media safely and appropriately, rather than simply discouraging its use. The conversation covers the benefits of social media for staying connected and fostering creativity, the potential dangers such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, and the importance of privacy and data security. Dr. Meade also shares practical advice for parents on monitoring their children's social media usage, setting ground rules, and educating them about online safety

Want to learn more from the experts at Providence Swedish? Take a break from scrolling and check out additional episodes of Talk With A Doc!

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s wellness, Swedish Pediatrics can help. Call today to schedule a visit.

You can also contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or advanced practice clinician. If you or a child have an illness, you can connect virtually with a member of your care team who can review the symptoms and provide instruction and follow up as needed.

With Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. If you don’t have a doctor, use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.

Information for patients and visitors

Additional resources

Kids and screen time: How much is too much?

Washington State has reported its first case of measles in 2025. Here's what to know.

Routine mental health talks with kids help make home a stigma-free zone

Vaccinations help your kids stay healthy now and in the future

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Providence Swedish experts in the media

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and X

About the Author

Whether it relates to vaccinations, allergies, nutrition or sleep, The Swedish Pediatrics Team is committed to helping you find resources to ensure your littles grow up healthy and strong. Our clinical experts offer tips, tricks and clinical advice to help you take care of your children.

More Content by Swedish Pediatrics Team
Previous Article
Choosing a therapist: identifying your mental health goals and what to keep in mind
Choosing a therapist: identifying your mental health goals and what to keep in mind

Think you might need some professional support for your emotional well-being? A Swedish expert has tips to ...

Next Article
"It's amazing. Everything was easier." Learn more about life-changing essential tremor treatment at Swedish.
"It's amazing. Everything was easier." Learn more about life-changing essential tremor treatment at Swedish.

These remarkable women bonded over their struggle with essential tremor. They chose different paths for tre...