How to Keep Your Child Safe on Smartphones and Social Media: A Guide for Parents & Carers
Duration: 0h 10m 30s
Published: December 2025
Worried about your child's smartphone or social media use? This film, featuring Dr. Susie Davies, GP and founder of Papaya (Parents Against Phone Addiction in Young Adolescence), offers clear, compassionate guidance for parents and carers who feel overwhelmed by smartphones, online risks, social media pressures, or tech addiction.
Whether your child is 9, 11, or 14, it's never too late to make a positive difference. Learn practical steps you can implement right now to protect your child's wellbeing, support their confidence, and guide them toward healthy digital habits.
What you'll learn in this film
Dr. Davies explains actionable strategies that make a real difference:
- Why phones should stay out of bedrooms at night
- How social media affects self-esteem, mental health, and developing brains
- The hidden impact of apps, likes, and online validation
- How to spot tech addiction and where to seek help
- Which apps to allow, limit, or delete
- How to set time limits, parental controls, and safety filters
- How to talk to children about online risks safely
- Why parents' own phone habits shape children's behaviour
- How a Family Media Contract creates clear, supportive expectations
- Daily questions to ask your child about their online world
- How small changes at home can build a happier, healthier future
Who this film is for
- Parents who regret giving their child a smartphone
- Families struggling with screen time, social media pressures, or tech addiction
- Carers concerned about bullying, sleep disruption, or exposure to harmful content
- Anyone wanting practical, realistic guidance — without shame or judgment
Key topics covered
- Kids and smartphone use
- Social media pressure and mental health
- Online safety for young adolescents
- Recognising tech addiction
- Setting boundaries and digital rules
- Parental controls and device restrictions
- Healthy role-modelling for children
- Family media contracts
- Keeping phones out of bedrooms
- Talking to children about sensitive online content
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