and Expectations Establishing clear rules about social media use is crucial. Discuss what types of content are acceptable to post and view. Make sure your child understands the consequences of sharing personal information (age, hometown, school information, etc.) or engaging in risky online behavior. Teach your child about the importance of privacy settings and how to use them effectively. They should understand that once something is posted online, it can be difficult–if not impossible–to completely remove it. Help them set their profiles to private and explain the dangers of accepting friend requests or follows from strangers. It’s also crucial to discuss online etiquette—how to commu- nicate respectfully and the impact their words and actions can have on others. 3. Educate on Privacy and Online Etiquette
These apps allow you to set screen time limits, filter content and followers, and even monitor messages in some cases. Popular social media apps, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord all offer these features. 5. Keep Up With What’s #Trending Social media platforms and online trends are constantly evolving. New apps, challenges, and threats emerge regularly, and it can be difficult to keep up. You can join online parenting groups, follow child safety organizations, and read up on the latest news regarding social media trends. This knowledge will help you to better understand what your child is experiencing and how to guide them through it. 6. Encourage Critical Thinking Finally, one of the best ways to keep your child safe online is to foster critical think- ing. Encourage them to question what they see on social media and to think critically about the content they consume and share. Discuss the difference be- tween real and fake information and the impact of algorithms on what appears in their feeds. Teach them to recognize red flags, such as messages from strangers,
requests for personal information, or any- thing that seems too good to be true. By equipping your child with critical thinking skills, you empower them to make safer choices online. Educate, Educate, Educate! Cyberbullying–the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person–is, unfortunately, a large ongoing issue in the United States and more prevalent than most parents may think. A 2023 report by the Cyberbul- lying Research Center found that out of 74 Louisiana adolescents surveyed, 62.8 percent reported they had been cyberbullied at some point in their lives. Parents must educate their children about cyberbullying so they can rec- ognize when it’s happening and feel empowered to discuss it or report it to a trusted adult. While social media offers numerous benefits, from staying connected with friends to exploring new interests, it also comes with risks that parents need to navigate carefully. As the school year be- gins, make social media safety a priority in your household. After all, a safe online environment is essential for your child’s overall well-being.
4. Monitor Without Micromanaging
As a parent, it’s natural to want to keep tabs on your child’s online activity. Tools like parental control apps can help you stay informed without being overbearing.
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