Q&A for How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Get Social Media

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  • Question
    What's your advice for asking permission if your parents are always saying no?
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Expert Answer
    Try to understand why they said no. If you ask to be allowed to get back at midnight and they say 10 PM, instead of getting angry, try to understand why that is. You’ll get an honest answer. If you can understand where they're coming from, you can address that point, and maybe promise them that you understand them. In due time, they will start to trust you more.
  • Question
    How can I convince my parents to let me use WhatsApp like my classmates do?
    Emma Walker
    Community Answer
    Explain the benefits of WhatsApp to your parents. Emphasize that it can save money, since photos and messages are free over Wi-Fi. You might also consider interviewing a classmate about the app’s benefits and sharing that with your parents. If possible, get insights from another parent who uses WhatsApp to help your parents understand its advantages from a peer's viewpoint.
  • Question
    I am 13 and my parents say that I should be around 15-16 years old to start an account, though they have given me the opportunity to write an essay proving my point. I need some ideas on what to say.
    Authenticity
    Community Answer
    Prove that you're mature enough. Bring back incidents where you were able to do certain tasks that other 13-year-olds wouldn't be able to do. You can also cite that many kids you age, including your friends, use social media to talk and share their thoughts. You could also take a hobby of yours and explain how certain social media applications can help fuel your ambitions with that hobby.
  • Question
    How can I convince my parents to let me have social media as I enter high school?
    TheresaK0927
    Community Answer
    Tell your parents that your friends have a group and you feel left out. Offer to have a trial period or limited time usage on the app. You can also use your hobbies as a reason, like saying, "I'd like to learn some football tricks on TikTok."
  • Question
    I'm going to turn 17 soon, but my mom won’t let me have any social media whatsoever. All my friends got Snapchat at like 11. I’m not asking for a lot. I just want to have at least TikTok.
    Emma Walker
    Community Answer
    It won't be too long until you turn 18. Then you won’t have to get your parents’ permission before you make a social media account. If your mum gets mad at you then, remind her that you’re legally an adult and can make your own decisions. In the meantime, don't bother comparing yourself to your friends, because every parent has different rules. Besides, there are plenty of other people your age who don’t have Snapchat or TikTok.
  • Question
    I want to have Tumblr back after being blocked from it since June, but I'm afraid that my mom will say no if I ask her. Should I write her a letter instead of talking?
    Emma Walker
    Community Answer
    If you find it hard to talk to your parents about what you want, a letter is an alternative. You can write multiple drafts 'til you get it right, so you can say everything just the way you want to say it.
  • Question
    I want to get a Facebook account so I can join a private group for a sport I play, but my mum thinks I’ll just waste my time on Facebook. How can I convince her that I’m not going to do that?
    TheresaK0927
    Community Answer
    Explain that you will use Facebook to learn tips for the sport you play. Suggest a trial period with a specific time of use.
  • Question
    I’m 13 and I want to get a YouTube channel, but I need reasons. I only have a few. What are some suggestions?
    Emma Walker
    Community Answer
    You could get a YouTube channel because you want to show a skill to your community, such as a cooking channel. Another reason could be to give people advice, such as a channel where you give advice about school.
  • Question
    I was misusing social media in a way that could have me suspended from school. I have been grounded, and these apps have been blocked for me. When should I ask for social media again?
    Community Answer
    Start by waiting until you are ungrounded, as they are incredibly unlikely to give things back while you are still grounded. Maybe they will give it back straight away! If not, maybe promise that you will never do it again. Talk to your parents and agree on limits, and tell them they can follow you on their account so they can see what you post.
  • Question
    I've been begging for Snapchat for a while now. My mom has always said no because my older sister wasn't allowed to get it until they were 14. What can I do to convince my mom to let me get it?
    Community Answer
    I would start by waiting until you are 13 - this way, you are legally allowed to have one. Explain that you think you are mature enough and maybe talk to your older sister about what they did that got your mom to give them one.
  • Question
    At 12, my dad doesn't allow me to have Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. He want's me to provide him a good example why he should allow me to have the apps I want. How do I proceed?
    Community Answer
    I would start by waiting until you are 13. After that, explain to him that these apps will allow you to connect with your friends more, that it is a potential job opportunity, and that it could give you a chance to meet more people.
  • Question
    What social media is okay for a 12 year old?
    Community Answer
    Strictly speaking, none of them; as they all require users to be at least 13 (or higher in some places).
  • Question
    I am 11. My mom said that if I am responsible enough to use a laptop until my 12th birthday, she’ll buy me a phone. Any advice on how to be responsible?
    Community Answer
    Get/keep good grades, do all your chores, keep track of your current belongings. You can find additional ideas on How to Be Responsible .
  • Question
    I am almost 14 and going into 9th grade. My mom is not letting me get the socials, so I feel left out. What can I do?
    Elliesmith23
    Community Answer
    There is a safe social networking platform named KidzNet that children, tweens, and teens go on. It's heavily monitored for safety.
  • Question
    I am 13. My parents won’t let me have social media. I've asked them many tiimes. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Tell your parents that you feel left out, that all of your friends have social media and you're missing out on conversations and invitations by not having it.
  • Question
    I am 17 and I'm not allowed to use any social media. I want to open an Instagram account. How can I convince my parents?
    Community Answer
    Tell your parents that you are almost an adult and are mature enough for something like this. If they refuse, tell them that once you turn 18, you will be opening an account whether they like it or not, as by that point they cannot do anything about it. Suggest that they let you do it now on a trial basis.
  • Question
    I'm a 13-year-old male. I think it is annoying that my mom and older sister (22) won't let me get Discord. Am I wrong?
    Community Answer
    They're trying to protect you from predators. Give it a little time.
  • Question
    I want Snapchat and Instagram, as I'm 12, but I'm too scared to ask my mum.
    Lee
    Community Answer
    You are too young for Snapchat and Instagram. You have to be 13+. Maybe next year.
  • Question
    My mom is the one who has a problem with all social media platforms, and my dad only has some problems with app like tiktok and snapchat because of strange people. What do I do?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Don't choose tiktok or snapchat, go with another social media platform like Facebook or Twitter. However, be aware that strange people are on all social media platforms. They are unavoidable. Be careful!
  • Question
    I've been wanting to use social media all my life. My parents are like 'No way!'. I want to use it to post reels, vlogs, my everyday life and become famous. How do I convince my parents?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Just so you know, people do not become famous when they use social media. For example, do you know all the usernames of people on your chosen social media platform? First, pick one social media platform. Your parents are more likely to say no to you if you ask for multiple social media platforms. Sticking with one is best. I recommend going with Facebook, because you can create a profile and add pictures of yourself and everything. Instagram is also great. Once you've done that, choose a way to express yourself. Will you talk to them face-to-face or will you write a note? Then, create a presentation for them. Finally, get your grades up, then try talking to them again.
  • Question
    I am 13 years old, and all of my friends have social media. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and so on. She is worried that I will find bad things on there. I feel left out. What do I do?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Your mom is right, there are a lot of bad things on social media. But, there is a solution. First, pick a social media platform. Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are great. But only pick one, otherwise you might not get social media at all. Write a note to her explaining your feelings and why you should get social media. Then, prove you are responsible by doing things without being asked like cleaning your room.
  • Question
    I’m 14 and my mom won’t let me get social media. she thinks I’m irresponsible but I’ve proven to her that I am responsible. What do I do?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Wait patiently. Try bringing up the subject sometimes (not every day!) and try writing a note to her.
  • Question
    I have gotten in trouble with social media in the past and just got out of a program. How do I persuade my parents to 1) give me a phone and 2) have social media?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Judging by your current status, you shouldn't get social media at all. Your parents have a good reason not to get you social media. Plus, a phone is a lot of money. If you're desperate, try saving money to buy a phone. Then ask them for permission and promise that you will be careful and not repeat (certain mistake) again.
  • Question
    My parents say I need to be 12-13 years old to get social media and a phone number. The problem is, I want to get these things earlier than that. How can I convince them?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Try compromising. Ask if you can have social media for your birthday or Christmas. If you're ten, ask if you can get it when you're eleven or ten and a half if you're desperate. Your parents might also be worried that you will spend more time on social media then doing your homework. Before asking for social media again, get your grades up. Try to get As or A+s if possible. You're already doing a good job by using good grammar and spelling in your question. Also, it sounds like you want social media and a phone number. Is this true? If so, I'd advise you to focus on one thing at a time. Anyway, pick a good time to have a talk with your parents and explain everything. They might say yes!
  • Question
    I want Discord so that I can join online communities for Roblox, but my mom has a fear of me going anywhere near social media, especially with strangers. Any advice?
    Gerry Schertzer
    Community Answer
    Watch a video on internet safety so that you can become an expert. Then, pick a time when she isn't busy and start the conversation with something like this; "May I talk to you about something?" You could even create an online presentation with reasons why you should get Discord.
  • Question
    My parents wont let me use any social media to contact my friends until I am 18 years old. I am 14. How can I persuade them to let me have one?
    Community Answer
    Explain that social media is just one more way to talk to friends and that you can put lots of restrictions to ensure that only friends can interact with you. Also, during Covid-19, it can help you stay connected while apart. If they refuse, try again in another 6 months.
  • Question
    I am 10 years old and all my friends have social media, like TikTok and Instagram. All I want is TikTok and Pinterest, TikTok to see art memes, and Pinterest for Roblox. Could someone help me convince my mom?
    Authenticity
    Community Answer
    It would be very understandable if your mom is wary about social media, as you're very young. However, you can introduce the parental features of certain apps (such as TikTok and even Pinterest). Explain your intentions with those apps as well, as she may want to know them.
  • Question
    My parents say that I am too young to have any social media site because of the unsafe people and my age. How can I persuade them to let me have one?
    Authenticity
    Community Answer
    Well, try to prove to them that you're mature enough for a social media account. Show them some ways they can keep you protected.
  • Question
    I am 12 and in 7th grade and ever since 5th grade all my friends got social media and I don't have any other than YouTube that I only use for school and podcast. What do I do to let me get social media?
    Authenticity
    Community Answer
    Explain to your parents that you believe you're old enough and mature enough. Maybe emphasize how you may feel left out because you are restricted from social media.
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