By KELSEY HAGEMEIER, LSW
YOUTHFIRST
While social-media platforms may feel relatively new to us as adults, many of our children don’t remember a time before internet interactions. Platforms like YouTube, SnapChat and Instagram have always been a part of our kids’ lives. Social media has shaped their friendships, consumption of information and personal expression.
It’s hard to ignore the positive – and negative – impacts social media has on the daily lives of kids and teens. When used appropriately, social media allows kids to create together; share new ideas and interests; and keep in touch outside of school. Social media, when used inappropriately, can amplify conflict; negatively affect peer relationships and perception of self; and can even become dangerous.
Let’s take a look at how we can support positive, safe online interactions in our kids’ lives.
Discuss Digital Citizenship – We do our best to teach our kids the skills they need to be positive, productive, happy members of society. These values carry over to the digital world. Encourage your child to speak kindly and show respect towards others on social media. Their image on social media will affect the way others perceive them in the physical world.
Make a Safety Plan – Educate your child on safety red flags and internet bullying. Create a safety plan of actions to take when they feel unsafe (e.g. tell an adult, close the tab, block the user, update privacy settings). Let your child know it is not acceptable to use the internet to hurt others.
Take Interest in your child’s digital world – Familiarize yourself with the apps and sites your child uses. Take the time to find out how these platforms work and what people get from using them. Encourage your child to show you their digital worlds and creations, maybe even co-create at times.
Set Boundaries and Restrictions – Set boundaries surrounding which sites/apps are allowed, times social media use is acceptable, and what privacy settings must be in place. Consider using parental controls to block unsafe sites, monitor time on apps, and enforce boundaries.
Create a Family Social Media Agreement – Kids are more likely to follow guidelines when they have a voice in the conversation. Work together to establish household electronic rules. Consider establishing screen-free zones like the dinner table or kids’ bedrooms. Keep electronics in common spaces for charging and use.
Discuss the Digital Footprint – Everything that’s ever been put on the internet is still available, even when deleted. Empower your children to make positive choices when searching, posting and commenting. A powerful way to teach them about the digital footprint could be googling yourself or someone you know – you may be surprised how much information is easily accessed. (Be sure to practice this alone first to identify and handle anything you don’t want your child to see).
Even if it doesn’t feel like it, our kids and teens still identify parents, teachers, and coaches as supports and influences in their lives. Together, we can take steps to protect our children and promote positive social-media use. Your support and involvement will empower your child to safely navigate the digital world.
Kelsey Hagemeier, LSW, works serves St. James School in Haubstadt, St. Joseph School in Princeton, St. Peter and Paul School in Haubstadt and Holy Cross School in Fort Branch.