Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter...they all have the same issues. Online presence has taken on a profound significance in kid's lives." Don't underestimate or downplay how big of a social "gathering place" it is. Right or wrong, it's here to stay, and will only get even bigger as it continues to replace in-person interaction.
The most important thing is to let your kids know that - It's all ENTERTAINMENT! Don't believe anything. Even I can make up a totally false post in just minutes that looks 100% like it came from an official source. Social media is not meant for facts, it's meant for fun.
Addiction
Addiction is the biggest issue with social media. I'm not even a big social media guy and I'm still on Facebook way more than I should be! I know kids love Tik Tok, but I hate it. It further degrades already compromised attention spans. I love that kids are having fun putting their dance moves on TikTok, but it makes kids think that there are no criteria for what warrants being documented, and what does not warrant being documented.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a big concern as well. Kids have actually committed suicide through cyberbullying.
The "Online disinhibition Effect" is a term for when people say things online that they would not say face-to-face.
Child Predators
A terrible consequence of social media is that it brings out sociopaths. This is because it gives them a way to strike from behind cover. Typewritten words look just the same whether they are written by a 12-year-old girl or written by Charles Manson. And deviants are highly skilled in knowing how to set the best trap for their prey.
Rules:
Let them know from the beginning that their online activity will be monitored. Sorry, but when it comes to social media, they have no right to privacy, just for safety concerns alone.
Teach them about child predators that pretend to be their peers.
Teach them from the beginning to feel safe bringing anything they find to your attention.
NEVER give out contact information online to people that don't already have it...including their friends.
Let them know that it's all for fun, and to not trust ANYTHING as real.
Limit their time on social media. If they can't live without it, then that's a sign of addiction.
Summary
Yes, I know it's easy to say to limit their time on social media, but doing so isn't as straight forward. You have to replace that time with something better. Sports, clubs, and hobbies fill that void most effectively. (See: Skills and Hobbies.)