Growing up as a millennial, I witnessed the rapid expansion of technology during my formative years. I distinctly remember delving into the world of Facebook at the tender age of 12, despite the platform’s minimum age requirement of 13.
The trick was (reflecting my then-tween thought process):
- Mark Zuckerberg was oblivious to my existence, let alone my age.
- My parents remained blissfully ignorant of my online ventures.
- Even if, hypothetically, they were in the know, navigating through the digital landscape was not exactly their forte—after all, we’re talking about Generation X parents, and their tech prowess is somewhat limited.
In those early days, the gates to these digital realms stood wide open.
With each passing year, a slew of new applications such as Twitter, Skype, Line, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram emerged, fostering connectivity. Mastering the art of utilizing these platforms effectively without divulging too much information—something your children might regret—entailed a fair amount of trial and error.
Before I share insights on guiding your child through this digital maze, let me shed light on why kids engage with social media and why, as parents, you should consider allowing them to stay connected.
A comprehensive study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) delved into the “Impact Social Media has on Kids,” revealing enhanced communication skills, increased access to information, and assistance in developing a sense of self. These findings essentially echo the reasons adults, like yourselves, use these platforms.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that overuse or misuse of these platforms may lead to cyberbullying, induce depressive symptoms (the infamous “Facebook depression”), expose minors to inappropriate content, and even promote sexting.
6 Top Tips
- Ensure Your Child is of Age:
Begin by ensuring your child doesn’t access platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram until they reach at least 13 years old. When encountering a new application, check its accessibility age requirements to ensure compliance. - Learn and Set an Example:
Familiarize yourself with the sites your child uses, understand how they operate, and set an example by using them yourself. Assist your child in configuring their privacy settings and update them regularly. Explain the importance of such measures with real-life examples. - KNOW Your Child:
Dive into your child’s life to truly understand them. Know their friends, interests, and online activities. Your child’s online presence reflects their personality, aspirations, and evolving identity. - Openness and Trust:
Communication is paramount. Engage in open conversations about online dangers, the importance of privacy, and the lasting impact of digital footprints. Convince your teens with facts, demonstrating how their actions today shape their digital future. - Befriend Them on Social Media:
Monitor your child’s online activities by befriending them on all platforms. This allows observation without dictatorship. If you come across a post you find concerning, discuss it with your child and explain why certain content might be inappropriate.
Side Tip: Avoid invading their privacy using applications that grant access to personal content. Fostering honesty, trust, and openness is crucial. - Control Computer/Laptop Use:
Similar to imposing a curfew or limiting TV hours, set boundaries on social media use. Excessive screen time diminishes the benefits. Encourage usage in central locations to deter exploration of forbidden sites, providing you with better oversight.
Remember, navigating the digital landscape requires a delicate balance of guidance and trust.
