Teach Your Child Good Social Media Etiquette
The use of social media has become part of everyday life. It is common for parents to worry about their children’s safety on social media. Social media has positive and negative aspects. It’s an excellent way to connect and build a community, but cyberbullying and mental health risks exist.
Teaching your child these best practices before they join social media are crucial. Good social media etiquette will ensure everyone has a
Think Before You Post
Remind children to review what images and comments they make on social media. Oversharing or reactionary posts can often be inappropriate. Teach them to review photos for things they might not want to share. Show them how to edit their captions and comments to be thoughtful and kind.
Respect Others
Ensure your child respects others on social media when posting or commenting. Teach them not to share photos or personal information of others without permission.
Remember Your Digital Footprint
Your teen’s digital footprint is the information left behind due to online activity. A large, invisible audience can search, share, and see your digital footprint. Your teen should know that what they post on social media now can have possible implications in the future.
Be Kind
Be kind even though you can’t be seen; for the most part, your digital voice can be heard loud and clear. Avoid offensive language, angry posts, or cyberbullying. Take time to think about the consequence of your words before you post.
What Age Should Children Use Social Media?
Most social media platforms require users to be 13-year-olds to sign up, but not every 13-year-old is ready to use them. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level when joining social media sites. The recommended age for each site should be followed, and your family should determine what works best for them.
