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Grandparents urged to learn basics of social media to stay connected with teens
Summary
Speakers recommended that grandparents avoid nostalgia and instead 'lead with curiosity' about social media so they can engage teens on pressures that affect mental health and substance-use risk.
During the webinar, Emily Tylik asked how grandparents can support grandchildren who are growing up with different technology. Dr. Safdar Medina recommended practical digital literacy: "Lead with curiosity. Ask them, hey. Tell me about social media. How does this work?" he said, urging grandparents to learn basics rather than dismissing new platforms.
Medina said knowing how social media works helps grandparents identify the social pressures that can affect teens. "They should really know about what social pressures kids have now that may be different from their generation," he said, adding that even limited familiarity (video calls, messaging) can keep grandparents connected when they live farther away.
Learning basics, he argued, enables grandparents to ask informed questions, provide nonjudgmental support and reduce isolation for teens who may not feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with parents.
