The goal of social media is to connect with people, but it can also be very unsettling for parents when it comes to their kids’ online activities. You can take various steps to protect your kids from getting exposed to harmful content, such as setting up a simple conversation with them. Having a clear understanding of what your kids are doing on social media can help keep them from getting lost in the virtual world.
By spending some time on Instagram or TikTok’s “discover” or “for you” pages, you can get a deeper understanding of their daily activities. Having a good understanding of what your kids are up to can help keep them from getting lost in the virtual world, so here’s some things to keep in mind.
Open up a conversation
Around a third of young people’s social media, lives are now online. To help prevent their behavior from becoming harmful, talk to them about their usage and set boundaries.
Even though you may not be able to monitor every aspect of their online activities, having a conversation with them is still important to ensure they are safe. Having the rules clearly and consistently reinforced can help keep them from saying they didn’t know anything about what they were doing.
Discuss the Risks
Besides talking about the rules, it’s also important to talk about the risks that the internet poses to your kids. This will allow them to understand why they should follow your rules and help them spot potential threats.
Getting a link or download can lead them to various types of harmful content, such as viruses and phishing scams. Talk to them about the importance of being careful when online, and avoid meeting people they don’t know. Also, be sure to tell them about the risks of identity theft and fraud.
Make sure to tell them that anything they post or write online is immediately out there, which can be very harmful. Also, be sure to tell them about the people who reach out to them online, especially anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable. They should know that you are their sounding board and that they will not get in trouble if they ask you anything.
Check privacy settings
Having a good understanding of the various platforms that your kids use can help keep them safe. One of the most important steps you should take is checking their privacy settings. Some platforms make their profiles public, so you must do this regularly. In addition to having a good understanding of the settings, it’s also important to remember that each platform has its unique set of features.
One of the most important steps you should take is checking their privacy settings. One of the most common features that apps can share with their users is their location so be sure to turn off this feature.
Social media platforms can also make their profiles private, meaning that only people who are friends can see what they’ve posted. It’s important to encourage your kids to use this feature, as it can help prevent people from viewing their private information.
Set ground rules
Talk to your kids about what they can and cannot post on social media, as well as the accounts they follow. You should also explain the consequences of their actions, just like in the real world. They must know that they will face the consequences if they mess up, and they must accept responsibility for their actions.
One of the most important factors you should consider when setting ground rules for your kids’ use of social media is the time you want to limit their usage. For instance, if you want to limit their time on social media after dinner, you might not allow them to talk to their best friends who use it at that time.
As a parent, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to keeping your kids safe online. Since they’ll be using the internet for the first time soon, you must teach them about the risks they can face, such as cyberbullying and predators. Having a good understanding of the various platforms that they use can help keep them safe.
Dr. Edward S. Thalheimer is the President and Founder of The Tutoring Center® Franchise Corp. For our part, we here at The Tutoring Center® are continuing to provide one-to-one instruction combined with The Rotational Approach to Learning® to prevent children from slipping through the cracks academically. Our programs help children achieve long-term success, build concentration and focus, and, with our outstanding instructors, find the love of learning. Don’t let your child fall behind this school year. If you’re interested in learning more, or you are interested in opening The Tutoring Center® in your community and joining a team of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide, please visit our website at TutoringCenter.com