Children will spend a lot of their free time on social media, and there’s not much we can do to influence their browsing decisions. Kids, teens, and adults alike are constantly bombarded with negativity, misinformation, and disturbing content on pretty much every social media platform. And since kids tend not to share what they do online with their parents, it’s difficult to know whether they’re visiting safe, and positive pages, or something dangerous.
That being said, there are tons of wonderful accounts out there that we should push our children toward instead. Pages that are educational, fun, cute, and will make your child think about their own self-worth, and the worth of others.
So, take note of the following @’s, and let’s get scrolling!
The Happy News
Though everyone should be informed about what’s happening in the world around us, sometimes too much negative news can harm our mental health. This goes tenfold for kids, who may not even understand what they’re seeing. Enter The Happy News! This positive news outlet showcases exclusively optimistic news in a child-friendly and simplistic way, using colorfully eye-catching graphics. It shares updates from the medical world, such as diseases we now have cures for; creative and scientific achievements made by children; animal rights news, such as species no longer endangered; and equal rights changes, such as countries that have finally legalized gay marriage and gender transitioning.
With every piece of bad news we consume, there should be a shot of good news as its antidote. So, seeking out more positive updates about the world around us is vital to keeping our faith in humanity. It’s never good to keep waking up to more and more death and destruction, so set notifications on your kid's phone so they can wake up to more hope.
Animal Planet
We all know of the television channel, and maybe the website, but did you know Animal Planet has an Instagram account? The account posts stunning photographs and videos of every kind of animal you can think of, keeping us up to date on national holidays, funny animals and their sleep schedules, pets in cute lil’ outfits, and way more. From animals you’ve never even heard of, to local wildlife you may see on your next walk to the park, kids will love learning more about nature, and the photos may even inspire them to become nature photographers one day.
Right now, Animal Planet is hosting Puppybowl, a doggie football tournament where you can vote for your favorite furry player until February. Follow the contest on Instagram for progress updates for pups like Vanessa. Educational content related to animals never really feels like learning, so it’s a great account for kids who are a little stubborn when it comes to learning away from the classroom. Cute animals, sports, and a little education — what’s not to love?
Ericka Hart, M.Ed
For older teens who are starting to ask questions about social justice, and their bodies, educator Ericka Hart, M.Ed's account is the answer. The person behind @ihartericka is an intersectional feminist who discusses racial, social, and gender issues, and is a breast cancer survivor advocate. On her page, she posts fearless and tasteful photos of her mastectomy scars, showing that breasts aren't inherently sexual, nor are they something to hide, especially when one has scars.
Each of her posts comes with a story, whether she's sharing her cancer story, spreading positivity about the people of Gaza, or just some cute family moments to cheer us up. There can be a lot of negativity on Instagram that focuses way too much on how we look, what we “shouldn’t” eat, what we ought to be doing, and other harmful things that can badly affect a teen's self-esteem, but accounts like Ericka’s focus on body acceptance, and self-love instead.
Vicky C Books
For the little bookworm in your life, @vickycbooks is a Bookstagrammer who reads and reviews young adult novels and posts lovely photographs of her collection. It can be difficult to find reading ideas that don’t just come on your kid’s reading list from school, but since Vicky reads for fun, she’s got you covered. Many of Vicki’s shots are outside in nature, encouraging kids to get out to read in their yards or in the park for some fresh air.
Vicky’s commentary on each photograph is like looking into a friend’s journal (with consent, of course) as she details her life studying, interning, illustrating, and crafting. Vicky is also a good influence on kids who wish to read more about racism, LGBTQIAP+ issues, and other social justice issues. YA is such a good genre for more diverse and empowering characters, after all. If your child is in a reading slump — it happens more often than you’d think — then this account will inspire them to pick up their next favorite.
