Responsible Use of Social Media for Children

New technologies, the Internet and social media are very useful tools. In this article, you'll find out how to promote the responsible use of social media for children.

Nowadays, children are digital natives. Therefore, the Internet plays a very important role in the way they relate to other people and to the world. Even though you may want to prevent them from this, the way children relate to new technologies is something inevitable. This is why we’ll help you promote responsible use of social media for children. 

Many parents still have negative opinions regarding the digital world. In fact, they think it’s quite harmful for their kids. However, it’s just a tool, which can be quite beneficial if it’s used properly.

It actually makes no sense to demonize social media or even forbid our children to use them, because, eventually, they’ll end up doing it. Therefore, we should educate them on the proper use of these tools.

Responsible use of social media for children

Get to know social media

New apps and social media platforms keep showing up every day. Sometimes, adults feel they can’t catch up with them. However, it’s very important to get to know them and to understand how they function.

If you do it, whenever your children talk to you about them, you won’t feel so lost. Besides, you’ll be able to analyze if they’re suitable for your kids. Furthermore, you’ll know how to handle the privacy settings, which are very important features.

If you become interested in the technological media your children like, you’ll be able to connect with them. Besides, you’ll understand the way they communicate, and you’ll be able to help them make good use of these tools.

Talk to your children about safety and privacy

One of the most dangerous aspects of social media platforms is the exposure and lack of privacy children face. Therefore, you should talk to your kids about the importance of keeping their passwords to themselves, and the importance of being careful regarding the content they share. 

In order to do this, you can show them examples of real consequences they could face if they share private images or personal information.

Notwithstanding, if your children are too young, supervise them, and help them create their accounts. This way, you’ll be able to control the situation.

Remember to explain to them that you’re not violating their privacy. This should be a mutual trust agreement.

Promote their self-esteem

Young people are quite prone to depend on other people’s approval, and social media platforms may encourage this behavior. As a result, some of them may end up facing serious problems because of their desire to be liked and followed. And, if this doesn’t happen and people don’t like their content, they may feel really bad.

In order to avoid this situation, it’s very important to help them develop a strong self-esteem. Make sure they know how important they are and that they need to trust themselves.

Teach them to choose content

Using social media platforms doesn’t mean children need to consume all the type of content they offer. So, make them understand they have the ability to choose positive content.

By doing this, the whole internet experience can become completely different. Therefore, encourage them to choose positive, enriching content. And, most of all, they should be able to choose content they actually like.

Communication is key to promote responsible use of social media

All in all, the most important thing is to have a close relationship with your children, to communicate and to trust each other. Don’t try to boss them around; listen to them, state your opinions and come to an agreement. 

If you can convince your children you’re there to guide them and not to tell them what to do, they’ll trust in you and in your opinions.

Finally, have open conversations about social media platforms, and share your own experiences with them. This way, they’ll come to you whenever they have doubts or any kind of conflicts.