Social Media Trends
It should come as no surprise that teens are deeply immersed in social media.
A recent report from Pew Research Center found that nearly all teenagers between 13 and 17 use YouTube (90%) and the majority engage with TikTok (63%), Instagram (61%), and Snapchat (55%). Many teens are “virtually always” online—almost half report near-continuous engagement.
Why It Matters
The study also found that they’re growing increasingly discerning. For example, 48% believe social media has a mostly negative effect on their peers, up significantly from 2022, though only 14% admit it affects them personally.
As a mom of two young boys, this is an important area of learning for me—not just so I can keep up with the technology, but so I can guide them with wisdom and balance as they grow.
Teaching my kids about the realities of social media needs to be about nurturing awareness, not imposing fear—helping them understand both its opportunities and its pitfalls, encouraging critical thinking, and equipping them to make healthy choices online.
I want them to see technology as a tool they control, not something that controls them, and to grow up confident in navigating a digital world with integrity and discernment.
Next Steps
This study illuminates usage habits, platform preferences, and evolving attitudes toward online life for those in Gen Z (and their parents). To learn more, read the article, “10 facts about teens and social media,” linked here.
What conversations are you having with teens about social media?
Shannon McAllister
Director of Operations | shannon@eaglecom.ca