As parents, we’ve always worried about who our children look up to. Years ago, it might have been a celebrity, a sports star or someone they admired at school. Today, many teenagers spend hours online, following influencers, watching endless video content and consuming recommendations from people they’ve never actually met.
For many families, this can feel like unfamiliar territory. One minute your son is watching football clips, and the next he’s being shown content from creators with very different views, attitudes and messages. It can be difficult to know when to step in, when to listen and how to start a meaningful conversation.
The good news is that you don’t need to understand every platform or follow every influencer your child watches. What matters most is helping your teenager develop the skills to think critically about what they see online and understand the difference between healthy inspiration and harmful influence.
In this guide, we’ll look at how parents and carers can talk openly with their children about online role models, social media and digital content while encouraging positive habits and protecting mental health.
What Are Online Role Models?
An online role model is someone who influences a young person’s thoughts, behaviour, opinions or aspirations through content shared online.
This could include:
- Social media creators
- YouTubers
- Gamers and streamers
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Entrepreneurs
- Educational creators
- Lifestyle influencers
Not every influencer is a bad influence. In fact, many inspire young people to learn new skills, pursue hobbies, build confidence or develop healthy habits.
The challenge is helping teenagers recognise which online personalities deserve their attention and which may promote unrealistic, harmful or unhealthy messages.
Why Influencers Have Such a Powerful Impact on Teenagers
Adolescence is a time when young people naturally explore their identity and develop their own beliefs.
During this stage, many teenagers become less reliant on parental guidance and increasingly interested in peer relationships and external opinions. This makes influencers particularly appealing.
Unlike traditional celebrities, social media personalities often feel accessible and relatable. They share personal stories, daily routines and behind-the-scenes moments that create a sense of connection.
Many teenagers feel they know these creators personally, even though the relationship exists entirely online.
Research suggests that adolescents can be particularly vulnerable to online pressure because their brains are still developing critical decision-making skills.
The Benefits of Positive Online Role Models
It’s important to acknowledge that not all online influence is negative.
Positive influencers can:
- Inspire creativity
- Promote healthy lifestyles
- Encourage learning
- Support mental health awareness
- Motivate young people to pursue goals
- Challenge stereotypes
- Introduce new interests and hobbies
A positive role model can help a teenager build confidence and develop a healthy attitude towards themselves and others.
When young people engage with thoughtful, educational or inspirational content, the online world can become a valuable learning tool.
The Risks Parents Should Be Aware Of
While there are benefits, there are also concerns that parents should remain aware of.
Unrealistic Lifestyle Expectations
Many influencers carefully curate what they share online.
Luxury holidays, expensive products and seemingly perfect lives can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.
Teenagers may forget that much of what they see is edited, filtered or sponsored.
Harmful Advice and Misinformation
Some creators share advice on health, fitness, relationships or finance without appropriate expertise.
This can expose young people to inaccurate information and potentially harmful ideas.
Extreme Views and Content
The recommendation algorithm on many platforms is designed to maximise engagement.
As a result, a teenager who watches one type of content may quickly be shown increasingly extreme viewpoints.
This can affect their view of topics including gender, relationships, success and self-worth.
Impact on Mental Health
Constant comparison can affect confidence, self-esteem and mental health.
Studies have linked excessive social media use with increased anxiety, low mood and body image concerns in some young people.
For evidence-based guidance, families can refer to the NHS advice on social media and mental wellbeing and resources from YoungMinds.
How to Start a Conversation About Influencers
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is criticising an influencer before understanding why their child likes them.
If we immediately dismiss someone’s favourite creator, we risk shutting down the discussion altogether.
Instead, approach the topic with curiosity.
Try asking:
- Who do you enjoy watching?
- What do you like about them?
- What makes them interesting?
- Do you agree with everything they say?
- How do they make you feel?
This creates space for an open conversation rather than an argument.
Your child is far more likely to engage if they feel heard rather than judged.
Encourage Critical Thinking Rather Than Blind Acceptance
Perhaps the most valuable skill we can teach our children is critical thinking.
Help your teenager ask questions such as:
- What is this person trying to achieve?
- Are they selling something?
- Could this information be biased?
- Is there evidence to support their claims?
- Would other experts agree?
The goal isn’t to tell young people what to think but to encourage them to think for themselves.
This skill will serve them well far beyond social media.
Watch Content Together Occasionally
You don’t need to monitor every video your child watches.
However, taking an interest can be incredibly valuable.
Watching the occasional video together allows you to:
- Understand current trends
- Spot potential concerns
- Discuss messages being shared
- Build trust and connection
Sometimes a five-minute discussion after watching a creator’s content can be more effective than imposing strict rules.
Help Your Teen Curate Their Online Feed
Many teenagers don’t realise they have some control over what appears in their feeds.
Encourage them to:
- Unfollow accounts that make them feel bad
- Follow creators who inspire or educate them
- Limit exposure to negative content
- Use privacy settings appropriately
- Report harmful material when necessary
Remind them that popularity doesn’t automatically equal credibility.
Someone with millions of followers isn’t necessarily an expert.
Discuss Privacy and Personal Information
Many young people share more online than they realise.
Talk about:
- Privacy settings
- Personal information
- Location sharing
- Online safety
- Digital footprints
A careful approach to sharing content can help protect them both now and in the future.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
It’s normal for teenagers to become interested in influencers.
However, parents may want to look more closely if they notice:
- Significant personality changes
- Increased anger or hostility
- Obsessive behaviour
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sudden extreme views
- Excessive screen time
- Declining mental health
If you notice these changes, try to discuss them calmly and without judgement.
In some cases, support from a school, GP or psychologist may be appropriate.
Teaching Young Men and Boys to Think Independently
Many current discussions focus on the influence of certain online personalities on young men.
Rather than banning content outright, it can be more effective to help boys develop the confidence to evaluate ideas independently.
Encourage your son to consider:
- Is this message respectful?
- Does it promote kindness and responsibility?
- Does it align with our family values?
- Would I treat others this way?
These discussions can help young people navigate complex online spaces while developing their own balanced opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are online role models?
Online role models are people who influence others through content shared on social media, video platforms, blogs or other digital channels.
Why do teenagers follow influencers?
Teenagers often follow influencers because they seem relatable, entertaining, successful or knowledgeable. During adolescence, young people naturally seek guidance and inspiration beyond their immediate family.
How can I tell if an influencer is having a negative influence on my child?
Warning signs may include personality changes, increased anxiety, unhealthy attitudes, obsession with a creator or withdrawal from family activities.
Should I ban certain influencers?
In most situations, open discussion and education are more effective than outright bans. Helping young people think critically often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Social media can have both positive and negative effects. It can provide connection, support and inspiration but may also contribute to comparison, anxiety and pressure if used excessively.
When should I seek professional help?
If online activity appears to be significantly affecting your child’s wellbeing, behaviour, relationships or mental health, it may be worth speaking with your GP or a qualified mental health professional.
Final Thoughts
The online world isn’t going away, and neither are influencers.
Rather than trying to shield our children from every potential risk, we can equip them with the tools they need to navigate digital spaces safely and confidently.
By keeping communication open, showing genuine interest in what they watch and encouraging critical thinking, we can help our teenagers benefit from positive online role models while recognising harmful influence when they encounter it.
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do isn’t control what our children watch — it’s help them learn how to question it.