The social media landscape is ever growing, making it more important than ever before for parents to help children navigate its many channels cautiously, responsibly and respectfully. Whether it is via smartphones, tablets, or computers, children now have immediate, portable access to the internet, online gaming and various other social media applications. Though the responsibility of monitoring a child’s access to social media can seem impossible, there are ways to guide children toward social media safety and help protect themselves online.
Exercising Boundaries
When it comes to electronic devices, the gateway to social media, establishing and exemplifying self-control can be a strong foundation to build upon. From an early age, encourage children to seek enrichment outside of the digital media world and instead focus on the textural elements of their environment. Set an example by limiting access to electronic devices for both yourself and your children and help preserve an environment that is free from digital over-stimulation and instead generates entertainment from organic interaction. By placing electronic devices in their proper pecking order behind fundamental family social activities, families can open themselves to experiences untethered by electronic devices and be less influenced by their social implications.
Talk it Out
Parents must first have a discussion with children on the importance of safety, before allowing them to participate in social media. Establish clear guidelines that will help children decipher the dangers of online predators and bullies. Advise children to use only trusted, secure platforms and to talk only with people whom they know in real life. Inform children of the potential types of online communications that are red flags and should be immediately reported to an adult. Children may be influenced or encouraged by their peers to communicate in different, sometimes disrespectful ways due to the presumed anonymity of the internet; it is the responsibility of parents to as best possible, communicate to children the dangers of online peer pressure and the powerful right to say “no” to unwanted propositions.
Staying Notified
It is important to monitor children’s’ online activities as regularly as possible. Because children are more susceptible to online deception, they should not be allowed to freely navigate the internet without adult guidance and surveillance. It is important to know and approve any and all social media apps a child participates with, and especially important to utilize the parental controls when available. Parents should regularly check their children’s profiles and posts, as well as maintain communication with their child regarding their social media conversations and interactions. Establishing these regular forms of communication with children, may help dramatic changes to their social behavior (a possible indication of an incident) particularly stand out, should they occur.
For more information and tips on how to utilize safe social media practices, please see the below references and resources.
References and Resources
- Social Media Safety from the Child Welfare Information Gateway
- Keeping Children Safe Online from The United States Department of Justice
- A Teens Guide to Social Media Safety from Safe Search Kids
- Cyberbullying, Social Networking, and You from Coalition for Children, Youth & Families
- Social Media Guidelines: A Guide for Foster Parents and Relative Caregivers Using Social Media from the Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare
- How to Keep Your Teen (or Tween) Safe Online from Safewise
- Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media from KidsHealth
- Kids and social media: Online safety tips every parent should know from Norton