As a parent in the social media era, it can be time-consuming to monitor your children's interactions on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Navigating social media is a learning experience. If you are in Generation Z or a Baby Boomer, you may be active on a few social media platforms.
However, there are new social media platforms that your children are most likely using. Social Media has changed the way everyone communicates over the years. You can connect with so many people worldwide through an app. It is a tool for sharing with friends and learning new things. Talking to your children about how to use it beneficially and healthily is vital.
Here are some tips for talking to your kids about social media.
Remain Calm
As a parent, you should remain calm when communicating with your child so they can listen to what you are telling them. Your child can feel anxious about talking with you, especially if they sense it is a serious talk.
Suppose you found out that your child is watching something on social media that you don't think is appropriate. The first natural emotion that you have is anger and frustration. And, if you have talked to your child before about it, then frustration can be an understatement.
Breathe and remain calm first. Then keep in mind that your child may not see this behavior as inappropriate. Therefore, you will have to explain the consequences of their actions. Suppose you have spoken to them more than once. In that case, you need to follow through with a disciplinary action like taking away their gaming system, having them complete a difficult task, or anything else suitable for your child.
Let them know what is appropriate.
It can be easy to dismiss your child when you are not calm. If you are talking over and interrupting when they have to say something, you can miss an opportunity to help them understand your viewpoints. When you remain calm, you allow them to ask you questions so they better understand what is appropriate and what is not.
Asking questions is a good sign that your child is listening to what you are saying. Keep a transparent and open communication so they feel comfortable talking to you about anything they see on social media.
Talk About Privacy
Some children do not know what they should keep private. It can take some kids to get to a certain age until they understand that some things should remain private. Although social media is an excellent platform for sharing information, for safety reasons, it is best to keep certain things confidential to avoid people who may not have the best intentions. It is best to communicate that with them so they have an understanding.
Be The Example
Your children are always watching your every mood. If you have noticed that your child copies the words you say and your body movements, you know that children are prone to picking up on everything. On the internet, it is not difficult to find someone's profile when it is public.
Children born into this social media era don't have any issues finding any information they want to know. They can easily find your profile, so you must be the example you wish them to see by being mindful of what you post on social media.
Tools For Monitoring Children Online
With the rise of more children having access to social media, Instagram has parental control features so that you can monitor what accounts your children follow and can access. Go to your Instagram, and under settings, click supervision and press 'create invite' to add your children. This feature will allow you to see your child's interactions with accounts and likes on Instagram.
Download parental control apps to connect to your children's accounts. For social media platforms that do not have parental control features, you can link the app to your children's accounts to increase your view of their social media interactions.
The Phixey Club
Everyone in your household has a smartphone. Your children and spouse have laptops, computers, and tablets for school or personal use. It is easy for a family to have ten devices within their home. Instead of spending hundreds for your family device repair, join the Phixey Club. The more devices you add, the more you can save on repairs and device accessories.