In the evolving landscape of digital communication, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for children and adolescents. However, the dangers associated with reckless use of these platforms are becoming increasingly apparent. As a result, primary care physicians (PCPs) are stepping up to the challenge, with a recent study indicating that social media counseling by these medical professionals can significantly reduce unsafe behaviors among young patients. The study was spearheaded by Dr. Megan A. Moreno, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The research was driven by pediatricians within the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who acknowledged the growing influence of social media in the lives of their young patients and expressed the need for effective counseling strategies. In response to the Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy’s call for increased safety measures for children and adolescents on social media, Dr. Moreno and her team initiated a research project to explore the role of PCPs in this context. They found that only 5% of pediatric residents felt adequately trained to discuss media use and children, highlighting a significant gap in current medical training. To address this, the researchers conducted a randomized control trial involving 120 primary care practices and 249 PCPs between 2011 and 2013. The PCPs were divided into two groups; one received training on a social media counseling intervention (SCMI), while the other group focused on tobacco cessation intervention as a control group. The SCMI training provided PCPs with an online safety brochure and taught them about key concepts such as balancing online and offline time, being mindful when posting content, and promoting open communication between youth and parents about online experiences. The findings were highly encouraging. PCPs who underwent the SCMI training were more likely to offer social media counseling, and adolescents were nearly five times more likely to receive such counseling from these practitioners. Furthermore, young patients whose PCPs had undergone SCMI training were twice as likely to report a decrease in online friending of strangers, and more likely to engage in conversations with their parents or caregivers about their social media use. This outcome underscores the importance of self-care and self-kindness in the digital space, particularly for younger users who might not fully understand the potential risks associated with social media. It also highlights the critical role that open communication plays in fostering a safer online environment. Six months after the intervention, many youths reported remembering the lessons imparted by their PCPs, indicating the lasting impact of this form of counseling on their social media habits. This is a promising step in their journey towards safer online practices. Despite its success, Dr. Moreno acknowledged that the study had its limitations, including potential bias due to self-reported data and a sample that might not fully represent all U.S. youth. However, she emphasized that the study underscores the crucial role that PCPs can play in promoting safer social media use among their young patients. The next phase of this research will focus on integrating AAP’s Family Media Plan into pediatrician counseling. This online resource provides families with a framework for setting rules and guidelines on social media use, and its incorporation into counseling could further enhance outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into how PCPs can contribute to promoting safer social media behaviors among children and adolescents. It also highlights the need for more comprehensive training for medical professionals in this area, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide their young patients through the complexities of digital communication with intention and mindfulness.