Is Your Child's Social Media Use a Problem?
Answer 8 quick questions to see where your child falls on the spectrum — from healthy connection to warning signs that need attention. If you're co-parenting, answer based on what you observe in your own household.
How often does your child check their phone for social media?
Is social media the first thing they check in the morning and last thing at night?
Have you noticed mood changes connected to social media?
Does your child compare themselves to others they see online?
Is social media affecting their real-life relationships or activities?
How do they react when asked to put their phone away?
Has social media affected their sleep or schoolwork?
Trust your gut: how worried are you about their social media use?
Good News: Your Child's Social Media Use Looks Healthy
Your responses suggest your child has a balanced relationship with social media. They're connected but not dependent, and you're not seeing the warning signs of addiction.
That said, you're here for a reason. Maybe you want to keep it this way. Maybe they're asking for their first account and you want to set it up right.
"I downloaded TikTok to understand what my students were experiencing — and got hooked within weeks. Even adults struggle with these platforms. If you want to set boundaries that will keep social media healthy as your child grows, I can help you get ahead of problems before they start."
You're Not Overreacting: These Are Real Warning Signs
Your responses show patterns many families experience — the constant checking, the mood changes, the sense that their phone has become an extension of their hand. This isn't full addiction, but it's also not nothing.
The good news: this is exactly the stage where intervention works best. Before scrolling becomes compulsive. Before comparison becomes their default thinking.
"Most families I work with are in this zone — worried enough to search for answers, unsure if it's 'bad enough' to get help. It is. I got hooked on TikTok trying to help parents, so I understand how quickly these platforms take hold. This is the window where small changes make the biggest difference."
Your Concerns Are Valid: This Needs Attention
Your responses indicate social media has become a significant issue in your family. The patterns you're describing — the anxiety, the comparison, the inability to disconnect — are signs that scrolling has moved beyond healthy use.
This isn't about blame. These platforms are designed by thousands of engineers to be irresistible. Your child isn't weak. But they do need help.
"I experienced this myself. When I downloaded TikTok, I couldn't stop scrolling even when I knew I should. The shame of wasting time but being unable to put it down — your child feels this too. I know what's happening in their brain, why the algorithm has such a grip, and how to break it. Let's talk."
About This Assessment
This 2-minute assessment evaluates 8 key indicators of social media dependency in children and teenagers: usage patterns, stopping difficulty, mood changes, sleep impact, real-world displacement, honesty about usage, physical symptoms, and your gut feeling as a parent. Created by Daniel Towle, who experienced social media addiction firsthand while working as a content creator.
Why Take This Assessment?
Most parents searching for a social media addiction quiz already sense something is wrong. The constant phone-checking. The mood swings after scrolling. The feeling they're more interested in their screen than real life.
This assessment won't give you a clinical diagnosis — only a professional can do that. But it will help you understand where your child falls on the spectrum from normal teenage behaviour to serious concern. The 8 questions are based on patterns I've observed working with families — and from my own experience getting hooked on social media while trying to create content to help parents.
Your results are immediate and private. Read the full social media help guide for more information.
Common Questions
How do I know if my child is addicted to social media?
Warning signs include inability to put the phone down, mood changes after scrolling, lost interest in other activities, sleep disruption, and anxiety when separated from their device. This assessment evaluates 8 key indicators.
What's the difference between normal use and addiction?
Normal use fits around life. Addiction reorganises life around the phone — affecting sleep, relationships, school, and mood. The key question: can they put it down when needed without major conflict?
Is this assessment clinically validated?
This assessment is based on observed patterns and personal experience with social media addiction, not clinical research. For formal diagnosis, consult a mental health professional.
What happens after I complete the assessment?
You'll receive one of three results: Healthy Use, Warning Signs Present, or Serious Concern. Each includes guidance and the option to book a session for personalised help.
My child is a teenager — is this relevant to them?
Absolutely. Social media addiction peaks in the teenage years. The algorithms are specifically designed to maximise engagement with this age group. These patterns apply whether your child is 10 or 17.
Last updated: January 2026