Unless you live under a rock, you probably know what social media accounts are and how many children have them. Constant usage of these platforms can harm children, so parental involvement and monitoring are crucial.
Parents and caregivers are the ones that can explain to children what’s right and wrong and lead them to the proper path.
So, in this article, we’ll go over all the tips and strategies for managing your children’s social media accounts.
Is My Child Ready for Social Media?
Giving children a social media account is a challenge for every parent. Social media can be beneficial but can also harm children.
So, what is the right time to allow your children to create their accounts? Have the following factors in mind:
- Children’s emotional and cognitive skills;
- Communication, social, and critical-thinking skills;
- Children’s maturity and perception of social media;
- Age recommendations (children under the age of 13 aren’t allowed to use social media);
How Can I Ensure My Child’s Safety and Privacy Online?
Parents’ job is to make sure their children are safe and secure online. So, let’s look at some ways to ensure children’s safety online.
· Setting up Secure Accounts
When your children create an online account, you must take measures in making it safe and secure. Adjust the privacy settings to your liking and set content restrictions on your children’s accounts.
Moreover, you should allow Two-Factor-Authentication and set strong passwords on your children’s accounts.
· Educating About Online Privacy
Emphasize the importance of protecting personal information and discuss the risks of oversharing info. Make sure your children keep their profiles private and constantly have open communication about their online safety.
· Dealing With Online Predators and Cyberbullying
Statistics show that about 46% of children have been bullied online at least once. If you notice that your children are isolated, avoid using tech, and are distracted, they might just be victims of bullies and online predators.
The best way to deal with these online dangers is by blocking and reporting inappropriate users.
What Social Media Platforms Are Suitable for My Child?
There are many social media platforms. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter are suitable for teenagers.
But what about younger children? Well, there are some apps suitable for your kids, such as YouTube Kids, Messenger Kids, Spotlite, and others.
Moreover, you can use parental control apps on your children’s social media such as Qustodio, Norton Family, mSpy, etc.
How can I Monitor and Supervise My Child’s Social Media Activity?
Children are usually present on several social media platforms at once, which gives their parents additional headaches. But, giving up on controlling children’s online activity is not an option.
· Monitoring Tools and Strategies
Monitoring your children’s online activity could turn into a game where you chase a mouse and never get to catch it.
So, to make things easier, choose parental control software and remotely control your children.
Build solid and trusty parent-child relationships and discuss the importance of monitoring online behavior.
· Open Communication and Trust-Building
Communication is a fundamental tool for engaging with your children. Children should look at you as their friend and feel free to come to you and discuss their problems.
So, be a good listener and help your children make decisions. You must make children acknowledge online dangers and teach them the importance of reporting inappropriate users.
· Collaborating With Schools and Other Parents
Contact schools and the local community about raising awareness regarding social media dangers.
Teachers and educators can hold interactive presentations, or you can organize community presentations on this matter.
What are the Potential Risks of Social Media for My Child?
Social media comes with some risks, which we’ll go over in the following paragraphs.
· Impact on Mental Health and Self-Esteem
Social media platforms are filled with fake online personas hiding under layers of makeup and filters.
Children make idols out of so-called influencers that promote modern lifestyles but hide under fake online facades.
Comparing themselves to these influencers takes a toll on children’s self-esteem. So, parents must encourage their children to create a healthy self-image. They can achieve this by limiting screen time and engaging in outdoor activities.
· Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Statistics state that about 54% of children younger than 13 have been exposed to inappropriate content.
This includes explicit, violent, and discriminative content that harms children’s health. Discuss the risks of exposure to this type of content, set content filters, and teach your children to report inappropriate content.
· Online Scams and Privacy Breaches
Online communication platforms are perfect places for online scams and privacy breaches. Teach your children to never trust strangers online even if they seem to be offering money or other kinds of prizes.
Emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious links, and tell children to avoid sharing personal info online.
How do I Handle Conflicts or Challenges Related to My Child’s Social Media Usage?
In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over ways to handle conflicts related to your children’s social media usage.
· Handling Excessive Screen Time
It’s crucial to set screen time limits for your children. Encourage them to engage in fun outdoor activities, like sports.
A great way to set screen time limits in your household is by creating tech-free zones that every family member should respect.
· Dealing with Conflicts and Disagreements Online
Tell your little ones to always avoid conflict online. If someone is bothering them, they can use the wonders that are the report and block buttons.
But, if someone seriously threatens children, you must report the case to local authorities.
· Supporting Positive Online Experiences
Be a role model to your children. Encourage them to be supportive, show empathy, and help others online.
You can also search for positive role models online that your children can follow. Shortly, do your best to foster a healthy only presence for your children.
Conclusion
As we said, children are the main users of social media. It’s a fact that these platforms have their pros and cons.
So, parents should do everything to manage their children’s social media accounts and protect them from online dangers.
FAQs
How do I monitor my kids’ social media accounts?
The best way to monitor your kids’ social media accounts is by using parental control apps.
Should parents control their children’s social media accounts?
Yes, especially when your child is younger and isn’t experienced with social media.
Should parents allow their children under the age of 13 to use social media?
No, it’s best to follow the regulations set by social media platforms and not let children under 13 have an account.
Do parents follow their kids on Instagram?
Yes, why not? There shouldn’t be any secrets in a healthy household.
ALSO READ: Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Family Relationships
