Banning Social Media for Teenagers Can Trigger Resistance

A total ban on social media for teenagers is not always effective and risks triggering resistance. Therefore, parents need to take an approach by inviting their children to reach an agreement on social media usage.

“In developmental psychology, adolescents are in a phase of increased need for autonomy. When rules feel too rigid, psychological reactance can emerge – a drive to resist restrictions,” said clinical psychologist Teresa Indira Andani.

According to Teresa, during adolescence, the need for independence in decision-making begins to increase. Teenagers want to be recognised as individuals capable of making their own choices.

As a result, several possibilities can emerge. Teenagers may feel distrusted, their relationship with parents becomes more tense, and social media usage may be conducted in secret.

“A total ban can cause parents to lose the opportunity to understand their child’s world. Yet social media is part of their social reality,” said the psychologist.

According to Teresa, a more effective approach is guidance and arrangements agreed upon together. Parents can invite their children to discuss usage duration, create device-free zones at home, and agree on specific times without screens.

“I often use the SMART principle so parents find it easy to remember,” she said.

“When children help determine the rules, they feel valued. That sense of ownership makes them more responsible,” she said.

M stands for Model from parents. She believes parental example is the foundation of digital parenting.

“It is unrealistic to ask children to stop scrolling when parents themselves keep holding their phones at home,” said Teresa.

A stands for Teach digital literacy. Parents need to discuss risks such as cyberbullying, hoaxes, and how algorithms work in simple language.

“Children need to know why rules are made, not just that they are forbidden,” she said.