Technology has changed the way we communicate and interact with others. This doesn’t mean parents no longer need to watch over their children’s social media use. They have to take a different path by monitoring those sites more discretely. With technological advances come new pressures, and if not handled properly, they can cause problems for children. Parents need to communicate with their kids about the dangers of social media use and the risks associated with these new technologies.
1. Create Ground Rules
Parents should set ground rules for their children using social media and be open with your children about what expectations are. Ensure your child knows the proper way to use the Internet and how to keep a safe profile if he has no intention of meeting up with other users. If your children have a smartphone or iPad, they need to have these items set up so that you can access their data and manage their profiles. This will ensure that there are no inappropriate pictures taken of them and that no inappropriate contact is made through social media accounts. When setting rules, educate your children about cyberbullying and online predators looking for victims online.
2. Spend Time Together
The responsibilities of parenting have changed with the introduction of new technology. Because of this, parents must spend time together, and they can talk about concerns in a clear, non-confrontational manner. When discussing these issues with your children, explain why the rules are in place. Show them that you care enough to watch over their social media accounts and know if they are being inappropriate online.
3. Keep an Eye on Their Accounts and Use Monitoring Tools
The best way to monitor a child’s social media account is to view their activity. If they have a smartphone or an iPad, there are applications you can use to keep an eye on their activities. Not all social media sites are monitored this way, you need to know what sites your children are using and ensure that they have valid accounts set up so you can watch over them online.
4. Create Guidelines about Acceptable Language and Behavior
Your children may use inappropriate language online by talking to their friends in person. This can be considered rude or hurtful, and you should explain to them that this kind of behavior is not acceptable online. If they are caught using inappropriate language, there should be an appropriate punishment. Parents should also create guidelines for how often their children can use the Internet, where they can go on it, and how long they spend on each site.
5. Ensure They Understand the Dangers of Cyberbullying
Kids and teens spend an overwhelming amount of time on the Internet daily, and it’s often too easy to express yourself online without considering the consequences. Parents should talk to their kids about the dangers of cyberbullying and online predators, looking for online victims. If your child feels bad after doing something they shouldn’t, there should be an appropriate punishment.
The Internet has altered how people live and could change your child’s developmental process. It is important to monitor their use of these sites and respect their privacy. There are many dangers associated with social media use, and you can help ensure that your child stays safe by talking to them about how they should behave online and knowing when things are inappropriate.