In 2018, around 45% of teenagers reported that they are online “almost constantly,” according to information from the Pew Research Center. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 use a lot of social media. While Facebook might not be as popular among this demographic, Youtube, Instagram, and Snapchat are used regularly by over 65% percent of teens. It’s inevitable that most teenagers will use social media, and even kids younger than 13 often use social media and the internet. Instead of trying to keep kids from social media, knowing how to talk about social media and how to teach kids to be safe and know the risks of these platforms is important. We’ve collected three tips on how to talk to kids, whether you’re a teacher or parent, about social media and what you need to tell them.
Start the Discussion Early
Talking to your kids about social media from a young age is important. The internet is part of the world for children even when they’re young. Even toddlers these days spend time on apps and playing games. Then, as kids get older, they are likely to start using the internet more and become interested in social media after hearing about it from friends.
As a parent or guardian, you can talk to your child about social media from the time they enter elementary school. Explain to them that they need to be at a certain age to use social media and discuss boundaries and the rules you have decided to set for them. This will establish a line of communication early on and allow you to set up the parameters you’re comfortable with.
Discuss the Positives of Social Media
While there are risks and issues related to the internet and social media, making these platforms seem scary and bad can often backfire. Social media is a part of our world, and there are many benefits to using these sites. From connecting with others to researching projects for school, social media can be a positive thing in your child’s life. When you talk to kids about social media use, be sure to let them know that there’s nothing wrong with using social media, as long as they are being safe.
Teach Them About Safety and Bullying
Unfortunately, bullying and mean comments can be an aspect of social media. Talk to your child about how to deal with these comments and teach them to remember when they say anything that there is a person on the other side of the screen. Also, talk to them about privacy and how important it is to not share personal information or anything that could get them in trouble. It’s important that they know that their parent is aware of their social media use and that they are clear on the risks of these platforms.
Keep Communication Open
Overall, the most important thing to keep in mind when teaching kids about social media etiquette and safety is communication. Remember to keep talking to your kids as they age and having age-appropriate discussions. Also, do you best to not take a fear-based approach but use logic and calm instead.
Credits :
Article contributed by: Karoline Gore
Photo by William Iven on Unsplash
