This is Parentverse, The Information Weekend’s advice column for tech-savvy parents. Email us your questions at [email protected]. Or, if you don’t mind sharing them with your fellow subscribers, post them in the comments below.
Dear Parentverse: My 11-year-old daughter has a flip phone for emergencies, but I haven’t let her use a smartphone, because I don’t think she should be on any social media. However, her friends all seem to have their own smartphones and are using TikTok and Instagram constantly, and she says they are pressuring her to join them. What I really want to do is ask the middle school to send a note to all the parents emphasizing that social media at this age is a terrible idea that will only lead to bullying and jealousy. Is that over the top?
