In partnership with Spark


Social Media Sorted: A parent's guide

Social media can be fun, creative and deeply connecting for young people — but it can also bring pressure, conflict and exposure to things they’re not ready for. Many parents feel stuck between wanting to protect their child and not wanting them left out.

This self-guided online course helps you step off that tightrope. Whether your young person is asking for social media or already using it, you’ll learn practical ways to go slower, build safer boundaries, strengthen connection and respond calmly when challenges arise.

Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. Getting started on your learning journey

    3. Where are you at?

    1. Equipping your young person for social media

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Staying connected

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Safer setups and changing tack

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Building your teen's internal filter

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Taking charge of the algorithm

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

About this course

  • 1.5 hours
  • Downloadable resources
  • Online and at your own pace

  • Anywhere, anytime

    Work through each module at your own pace and in your own time.

  • Bite-sized videos

    Designed with busy parents in mind, this course features short, easily digestible videos.

  • Downloadable resources

    Practical guides and scripts to help you navigate real-world scenarios.

Friendly Answers, Quickly

  • Who is this course designed for?

    This course is for parents and caregivers of kids aged 12 to 16 years, whether you’re saying ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ to social media – or if they’re already using it.

  • Who created the course – and is it based on independent research?

    It has been developed by Parenting Place with the guidance of independent experts in technology, education and child advocacy, as well as parent coaches and learning specialists who have helped shape the course format so it’s easy to follow and actually sticks.

  • My child is already on social media – should I bother taking the course?

    Yes, absolutely. They’ll need you to stay connected more than ever. This course will help you have calmer conversations, feel confident to set boundaries or change tack, help them develop good judgement and critical thinking skills when online – and respond when things get tricky.

  • What am I getting when I buy this course?

    The course includes short videos to guide your learning and a downloadable course workbook that you can capture your notes and reflections in – as you go, or once you’ve reached the end of the course. The course also includes downloadable scripts and step-by-step guides you can bring into family life straight away.

    You’ll learn how to:
    - Understand the unique risks of social media for tweens and teens
    - Set up safer structures around devices, access and boundaries
    - Have open, ongoing conversations (even when you don’t see eye to eye)
    - Help your child build self-awareness and good judgement online
    - Reduce social pressure and create more positive phone-free time
    - Understand how platforms and algorithms affect the teen brain
    - Respond calmly and confidently when something goes wrong

  • How long will this course take me?

    Binge-watch the full course in under one hour, or spread it over several shorter sessions, taking extra time in between to complete reflections and try out some of the scripts and tools.

    Take it at your own pace – you can dip in and out, focus on the parts that matter most right now, and come back whenever you need.

  • How much does this course cost?

    It’s NZD $49 – and there are discounts for Spark Kids Plan customers as well as Community Service Card holders – email to find out more.

  • Do I need to complete the modules in a specific order?

    The course is designed so you can either follow the modules in order or just start with the bits that matter most to your whānau right now. There’s no deadline for course completion and access is unlimited so you can return to the modules at any stage to refresh or deepen your understanding.

  • Can I view the course on my mobile phone?

    Absolutely, the course is designed for both desktop and mobile. You can also download ‘Parenting Place Learning Hub’ app for free from your App Store.

  • Is there any one-on-one support available?

    For technical support, you can find the answers here.

    For parenting issues, our coaches are always available to meet one-on-one and help with what’s going on in your whānau. You can book a session here.