Tips for Your Kids & Social Media

Likely, if you have a tween or teen, you have had a conversation or two about social media. “Everyone in my class has a -insert current social media app here- page, why can’t I?” Sound familiar? You may be able to put off allowing your kid to use popular social media sites like Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter for now, but only for so long. One thing you definitely don’t want is for social media to become “forbidden fruit.” They may just find a way to create a secret account without your knowledge; which will limit your ability to monitor what they do online.

Kids these days may be digital natives, but being comfortable navigating the technology doesn’t mean that they are equipped to deal with not-kid-friendly content or situations. Here’s the good thing: Most adolescents use social media safely, but they still need to be careful, and we as parents need to be on our game.

Here are some tips on how to handle your kids and their use of social media:

Be Knowledgeable

Do some online research and spend some time learning about different social media outlets; how they work, what can be shared, and who can see what.

Be Open & Talk to Your Kids

Talk to your kids about their social media use, but in a meaningful and engaging way, as you would with any other hobby or sport they enjoy. Ask them to help you create an account, or to take you on a virtual tour. Creating a relationship of openness and sharing without the harsh judgment, criticism, and shaming will help keep the lines of communication open with your kids and they will be more willing to discuss it and take your guidance when they have a problem.

Be “Friends”

Ask your kid to allow you to friend them on Facebook, or follow their Twitter or Instagram feed. That will be the easiest way to monitor what kinds of pictures or content is posted.

Set Rules

Decide what is important and set some rules for when social media use is ok. Maybe the phone or iPad needs to be charged downstairs at bedtime to not affect your child’s amount of sleep. Maybe homework or study time has to be completed before social media time starts. Do what works best for your child and your family.

Pay Attention

The absolute most important thing to remember is, if your kids come to you with complaints that others have been mean to them either directly or indirectly online, please take them seriously.

Alternatively, you may see signs of sadness, anxiety, or irritability in your child. He or she may seem sulky or not want to go to school. As you explore what might be going on, make sure to include social media on your list of things that could be bothering your child.