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A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Social Media
Social media is a huge part of growing up today. From sharing pictures to keeping up with friends and family, it’s become a daily routine for many kids. But it also comes with serious risks. Here’s how to help your kids use social media wisely. HOW OLD SHOULD THEY BE? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to be at least 13 before opening a social media account. But that is not an absolute: Some kids may be ready at 13, others not until 16. Research has identified serious negative effects on children under 13, such as not enough sleep, poor body image, and cyberbullying. START THE CONVERSATION ON YOUR TERMS. Before your child opens their first account, ensure they know social media isn’t just likes and filters — it’s a public space where
people share their lives and opinions. Help them understand the permanence of what they post. Even if something “disappears,” screenshots and digital footprints last forever. CHAT ABOUT PRIVACY. Privacy settings are your child’s first defense, but they are not perfect. Explain why it’s important to protect personal information. Ensure they never share things like their school name, home address, or phone number online — even with people they think they know. And never become “friends” with anyone they don’t know in person.
important to talk about how what they post today could impact them in the future, from college applications to job opportunities. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL. If you constantly scroll or overshare, kids will think that’s normal. Show them what balanced, thoughtful social media use looks like. Put the phone down. Enjoy time offline. KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING. Social media is always evolving, and so are its challenges. Let your child know they can come to you if something makes them uncomfortable or if they’re unsure about what to do. Being smart on social media is a life skill. With the right guidance, kids can enjoy everything it offers, without falling into the pitfalls. A frank conversation now can make a big difference later.
REMIND THEM THAT KINDNESS COUNTS.
The internet can be a harsh place, but it doesn’t have to be. Teach your kids to treat others with kindness online, just like they would in person. If they wouldn’t say it face-to-face, they shouldn’t post it. It’s also
Ace the School Year, Together Your Co-Parenting Game Plan for Fall
The back-to-school season is a whirlwind of activity for any family, and if you are co- parenting with an ex, a little extra planning can make this transition smooth for everyone. Coordinating schedules, aligning routines, and communicating clearly will help your child feel supported and help you and your co- parent stay on track. Sharpen your pencils and prepare for a successful school year with these tips to ace your co-parenting plan. SET UP A SOLID SCHEDULE. The school year is full of class homework, after-school activities, parent-teacher conferences, and daily pick-ups. To make sure you and your co-parent are on the same page about who will be responsible for what, it’s essential to create a shared calendar. Divide the responsibilities based on each other’s schedules, and make sure both parents get
ample opportunities to do the fun things, like football games and school plays. Not only does figuring this out early ensure your child never misses anything important, but it will also reduce stress for both of you. CREATE COMMUNICATION BOUNDARIES. There will be a lot of necessary information to process throughout the semester, from report cards to classmate birthdays and even medical documents. Communication is essential, and you should decide what details need to be shared immediately and what can wait until a weekly recap. Depending on the nature of your relationship with your ex, you should also determine how you will communicate with each other. Whether it’s through texts, emails, or phone calls, keep the focus on your child’s well-being and try to avoid conflicts. It’s helpful to include both parents on any
correspondence with school leadership, so copy each other on emails and ensure the school has your contact information. KEEP IT CONSISTENT. Routine and consistency will help your children stay in the loop and make this big transition easier. Keep that shared calendar somewhere they can see (the kids are age appropriate), and talk to them about the plans each week. Consistency will provide a sense of safety. So, establish a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. At Douglass & Runger, we can help you create a co-parenting plan that prioritizes your child’s well-being and protects your rights as a parent. Contact us today at 901.388.5805 if you need assistance with co-parenting issues!
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