Conversation Starters for Families of Tweens and Teens

This American Academy of Pediatrics resource provides conversation starters to help parents discuss technology and digital media with tweens and teens who are already engaged with these platforms. The guide emphasizes having ongoing, collaborative conversations rather than lectures, recommending low-pressure moments like car rides or family dinners while avoiding tight timelines or post-conflict situations.

Topics covered include setting initial boundaries and creating a Family Media Plan together, conducting regular check-ins about social media experiences, addressing unwanted contact and content, discussing struggles with meeting family expectations around device use, managing excessive gaming and sleep interference, and encouraging self-reflection about their relationship with media.

The prompts are designed to gather children's input, make decisions collaboratively, and create open dialogue where teens feel comfortable sharing their experiences, with sample questions like "What's working well?" "Have you experienced any unexpected situations?" and "How do you feel after using your favorite social media app?" The resource also includes prompts for parents to reflect on and discuss their own media habits with their children.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence (CoE) on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is dedicated to creating a healthy digital ecosystem for children and adolescents.

Social media use starts during childhood and can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children and teens’ growth, development and mental health.

The Center’s work is guided by its co-Medical Directors, Megan Moreno, MD, MPH, MSEd, FAAP and Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, who are pediatricians and experts in the field of youth development and media. Internally, Center Director Nicole Owings-Fonner leads a strong team of program, communications and mental health professionals.