Should you block your teen's social media apps?

One of my clients shared that a psychologist spoke at their kid's high school and told parents to block all social media apps on their teen's phone.

He said it would be "rough" the first few days, but they'd adjust.

Rough?!

More like a volcano erupting.
With slammed doors and "I hate you."
Followed by them sneaking around anyway.

Now your teen is lying AND shutting you out.

That’s not safety. That’s fear-based parenting.

It doesn’t bring you closer.
And it doesn’t protect them from the dangers spinning in your mind.

Because here’s the truth: social media isn’t going away.
And blocking apps doesn’t teach them how to use it responsibly once they’re on their own.

What does?

1️⃣ Ask them how they feel after hours on TikTok or gaming: drained or energized?

2️⃣ Set boundaries together instead of handing down rules.
"What do you think would be reasonable screen time limits?" gets you further than "You get one hour."

3️⃣ Model what you're asking for by putting your phone down during dinner and conversations.

These approaches build skills they can use long after they leave your house.

Blocking all apps might feel protective in the short term.

But parenting from connection? That’s what keeps them safe for the long haul.

🧡 Jeanine