Many parents look at the youth of today and compare it to their own childhood. However, it is important to note that the children of the new generation have grown up in the age of technology and have opportunities that you once never had. What was once was a time where you would meet with friends in a park to hang out, has been changed to continuous communication over phones and technology. Children nowadays are able to keep in contact with friends over numerous social media platforms. However, given that social media is so easily accessible, it is also a platform that can be used for negativity such as cyberbullying and grooming. Here is some advice on teaching your child to use social media responsibly, as advised by this independent day school in Devon.
Talk about the risks
Before your child has the chance to join social media, take the time to discuss the pros and cons of it. Mention that social media can be a place for new opportunities but should be taken with a pinch of salt. This is because not everyone has pure intentions online and may find it easier to take part in negative acts given that they are hidden behind a screen. Talk about topics such as cyber bullying and inappropriate content. Explain that your child should never give out any of their personal information such as photos or locations, as anyone can have access to it. Reiterate that if your child will not be comfortable with you seeing what they post, then they shouldn’t post it at all.
Discuss mental health
Remind your child that most of the things they will see online are either tiny snippets of a person’s life or fabricated entirely. Naturally your child may begin to compare their own life and sometimes, physical appearance to others, which can be detrimental to their mental health. Spending too much time online can also make it difficult for children to interact with those in the real world, so remind them to take time off from it and restrict the use of it at certain times in the day, when it may be more favourable to spend time with the family.