The age of social media is here and it isn't going anywhere. That means are kids are often pressured to engage in it no matter their age. Prior to COVID my family and I had the opportunity to attend a conference sponsored by the FBI regarding human trafficking and social media. The information was astonishing. It is one of the number one ways traffickers meet victims. At the end of the conference our #arrow said "welp their goes my chance of getting snap____". For those that have already opened the box to social media or you are planning to do so, here are some tips to help you make it safe for your children.
1. Wait until your child is old enough and is able to make mature decisions. We don't put them in cars before they learn to ride bikes.
2. Allow them to see videos on the dangers of social media.
3. Follow them on their social platforms.
4. Put a time limit on the use of social media.
5. Watch the social dilemma on Netflix. It will help you make an informed decision. (Did you know that many of the CEOs of the platforms don't allow their teenagers to have the apps?!?)
6. Make their pages private.
7. Start off with a social media app that is more restrictive and then move your way up. This requires investigating on your part.
8. Give boundaries on what is acceptable and what isn't. Remind them that once they press send they can never take it back.
9. Look at who and what they are following. Do they align with your values and morals?
The world of social media can be exciting but we have to teach our children to do it safely 🏹
1. Wait until your child is old enough and is able to make mature decisions. We don't put them in cars before they learn to ride bikes.
2. Allow them to see videos on the dangers of social media.
3. Follow them on their social platforms.
4. Put a time limit on the use of social media.
5. Watch the social dilemma on Netflix. It will help you make an informed decision. (Did you know that many of the CEOs of the platforms don't allow their teenagers to have the apps?!?)
6. Make their pages private.
7. Start off with a social media app that is more restrictive and then move your way up. This requires investigating on your part.
8. Give boundaries on what is acceptable and what isn't. Remind them that once they press send they can never take it back.
9. Look at who and what they are following. Do they align with your values and morals?
The world of social media can be exciting but we have to teach our children to do it safely 🏹
