The question of social

Maybe no one else thinks about this, but it really troubles me.  As me move through this post Christian time in evangelical America, it is becoming more and more difficult to direct ones children into acceptable social circles.  This is especially true when one is part of a smaller church.
If this is a question of balance, i.e. determining what level of secular social influence is acceptable, is this not similar to saying how much poison it is acceptable to feed your children?  Then there is the concerns on the opposite side of the argument.  What happens if we do not provide age appropriate social interaction?  I know people who say that by the time that they were teenagers, they could interact very well with adults but not with kids there own age.  In response, I would argue that being skilled in teenage social interaction is really only important (arguably) for one's years as a teenager.
But again, what is the optimum social interaction for our kids, with whom, what age group and what duration and frequency?  Children do need to be directed, as would anyone entering into new territory.  Being immature, easily persuaded and prone to sin, it is sheer lunacy to simply "let them find their own way."  Would you let your child, teenage or otherwise, navigate through a minefield on their own.   It would probably be safer than a public highschool, as landmines are not actively malicious.
We can probably think of ideal situations, but unfortunately, these ideals don't exist in real life.  So what do we do?  At the bare minimum, we must approach the situation informed and educated, having examined all the possibilities and having received input from older, wiser folks.  Ultimately, we must pray for our children.  For the intercessions of the saints will have remarkable influence and effect upon our situations.  The protection of guardian angels is real and valuable and the guidance of the Holy Spirit is life changing.  Don't miss out on the opportunities that exist.