A Parent’s Guide to Sex and Social Media

Social media has been a hot topic for the past decade, especially regarding parenting. According to the Pew Research Center survey, almost half of US teenagers aged 13-17 reported being online 'almost constantly.' So should parents be concerned about what their teens are exposed to on social media?

Social media has many pros for teens, such as connecting with others and being able to express yourself. It also comes with risks such as exposure to harmful content, self-esteem issues, and safety. A recent study revealed that nearly half (46%) of children and teens ages 13-17 saw content on social media that they believe should not be allowed. Even though these teens come across concerning content almost daily, only 7% said they report the posts. 1

Let's start with the facts.

Did you know that most social media platforms have a sex policy, specifically with visual content such as nudity and pornography? Although there are policies, the implementation of these policies aren’t perfect. Protect Young Eyes, an organization that seeks to defend kids from inappropriate and harmful internet content, reported five different hashtags on Instagram linked to pornography a minimum of 50 times over five days. During this length of time, no action was taken by Instagram. 2

Nudity is not the only concern on various platforms. Influencers and regular people are also posting their thoughts about sex. By the time today's young person reaches 19, they have been bombarded by easily accessible, graphic content that is being taught as 'good' sex. Some of these explicit contents are often aggressive and misogynistic and discuss spanking, anal sex, light choking, and much more. 3

Although most schools have some form of sex education, most curriculums focus on avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases rather than addressing healthy relationships. Unfortunately, many students are turning to social media to learn about sex: it's free, ubiquitous, and private.

So should you have your kids stop using social media entirely? Well, that's up to you, but various resources exist to set up parental locks within social media apps. No tool can replace having an educational and honest conversation about online safety, but setting up parental controls is a great asset. In August of 2022, Popular Science released a great article that helps navigate parental settings within the most common social media apps.

What’s next.

When you're unfamiliar with the social media apps your kids use, it can be challenging to know how to start the discussion. Screen Sanity, an organization that seeks to help families and communities pursue digital health, has created guides that help families take a 'driver's ed approach' to device introduction and safety.

Communicating about social media with your teen is just the start! We encourage you also to start or continue having conversations about sex and relationships with your kids. According to Harvard's 'Making Caring Common' project, subjects such as finding love, keeping love, and dealing with break-ups were questions that 70% of 18-25 year-olds wished their parents had discussed more with them.

Having the discussion.

So, how do you begin the social media conversation with your kids?

First, you'll need to take the most challenging step: start the discussion. This can be awkward and difficult at first, but it gets easier as you continue discussing what your teen or child sees on social media.

Not sure how to start or what questions to ask? The Family Dinner Project has a great blog that can help you start conversations based on specific social media situations. The most beneficial questions are not accusatory but inquisitive instead. Work to minimize the downside and maximize the upside of social media. Then come together for additional conversation where change is needed.

Is talking about sex and social media with your kids awkward and difficult? For most people, it is. But, don’t let that stop you. Start now and just keep building on it. Whether they seem interested or not, most likely, deep down they want to talk about it. You’ve got this!

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.