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An Honest Conversation That Hit Home
On the April 17, 2026 episode of The Parent Chat podcast, Dreyer opened up about something that might surprise you. Even as a confident, successful adult, social media still gets to her.
"I feel icky after I look at Instagram. I'm feeling insecure, and I'm not a very insecure person," Dreyer admitted. "I'll watch Instagram and I'm like, 'Man, should I be going to Fashion Week? Because it seems like everybody I know here is going to Fashion Week.' And I'm starting to feel insecure about myself."
Nguyen pointed out just how telling that confession really is: "You're a full-grown woman with a confident platform, and it still eats away at you."
If a grown adult with a successful career can feel that way after browsing social media, imagine what it does to a child who is still figuring out who they are.
One Mom's Choice to Hit Pause on Social Media
Nguyen made a bold parenting move — she banned her eldest daughter from joining social media altogether. Her reasoning? Kids need time to figure out who they are before the internet starts telling them.
She shared a quote from actor Matthew McConaughey that stuck with her: "You want to let them know and figure out who they are before the world starts telling them who they are."
Nguyen explained that she wanted to add a little "friction" to her daughter's life in healthy ways. Keeping her off social media was the biggest one. Her daughter even gave her parents a full presentation about why she should be allowed on Instagram — but Nguyen felt ready with research and data to back up her decision.
"I also know I have a very unfair advantage because I've done the reporting. I've talked to the experts," Nguyen said. "Especially for girls — but it's starting to happen with boys, too — the body image, the self-esteem, the anxiety, the depression rates, like, all of it goes up because they haven't figured it out yet."
Boys Are Feeling It Too
Dreyer added something that stopped the conversation cold. Her 9-year-old son Calvin recently asked her, "Do I look fat?"
"I was like, 'What?'" Dreyer recalled. "First of all, 'You look healthy.'"
That single moment shows just how far-reaching social media's impact has become. Body image concerns are no longer just a girls' issue. Boys are absorbing these messages too, and at younger and younger ages.
Practical Strategies Parents Can Start Using Today
Both Dreyer and Nguyen agree that waiting and watching is not enough. Here are some real strategies parents can put into action:
- Delay social media access. Giving kids time to build a strong sense of identity before they face online comparisons can make a big difference in their confidence.
- Create space for honest talks. When your child asks a tough question like "Do I look fat?", that is actually a gift — a door opening for real conversation about body image and self-worth.
- Try offline activities. Sports, art, cooking, or reading help kids build skills and confidence that do not depend on likes or followers.
- Be honest about your own experience. Dreyer's willingness to say social media makes her feel insecure models real self-awareness for kids. Parents sharing their own struggles builds trust.
- Teach kids to question what they see. Help them understand that social media often shows only the best, most polished version of someone's life — not the full picture.
Building Strong Kids Starts at Home
The conversation between Dreyer and Nguyen is a reminder that protecting children's self-esteem in the age of social media takes active, thoughtful parenting. It is not about being perfect — it is about staying connected, staying curious, and keeping the lines of communication open.
As Dreyer put it, someday those kids will look back and say, "Thank you for letting me find myself."
Want to help your child build real confidence and strengthen your relationship with them?
If you want to take that next step in raising a child who is confident, emotionally healthy, and ready for whatever comes their way, sign up for the free 9-Day Kidnections Mindset Makeover at kidnections.org. It is a free resource built to help parents raise happier, healthier kids who are better prepared for the future — starting right now.
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Bullet Points:
Dylan Dreyer and Vicky Nguyen discuss the influence of social media on self-esteem and mental health on 'The Parent Chat' podcast.
Nguyen has chosen to exclude her eldest daughter from social media to help cultivate a grounded self-identity.
Dreyer shares personal experiences addressing body image concerns with her son, intensified by the presence of social media.
The conversation highlights the wider impact of social media on children and the various strategies that parents are adopting to mitigate these effects.
