How to Safely Introduce Your Child to Social Media
One day, they’re fascinated by Legos, and a few years go by, and suddenly, they’re asking to be part of the online world. You blinked—and you’re navigating ways to allow your kids to join the online community. How can you do this without them spiraling into the darker reaches of the internet? The reality is that social media isn’t going anywhere. Saying “no forever” isn’t an option. Rather than pulling the phone away from them or dumping them in the deep end without any prep, there’s an alternative approach to bring them into the fold. Learn ways to introduce your child to social media in a safe way.
How to Safely Introduce Your Child to Social Media
Don’t Start with an App—Start with a Face-to-Face Conversation
Press pause for a sec if you’re diving into what apps and social media platforms to permit.
- Talk to them—don’t lecture.
- Don’t list everything bad that can happen to them online—give them a talk instead.
- Ask them what they’ve witnessed friends doing online, what social media is for, and what they’d like to share online.
You might be amazed or confronted by the dreaded, “I just wanna go viral.”
Either way, it allows one to understand their mindset and maturity level. Before entering parental controls and privacy settings, this is a good place to start. This also establishes you as engaged in their lives and looking out for them as a protector, not an enforcer.
Introduce Your Child to Social: Give Them Training Wheels
You don’t need to release them into the Wild West of public accounts all at once—slowly introduce them into the fray. Consider private accounts for basic followers like family and friends. It gives them the chance to practice using the platform without the pressure.
Think about using shared account access initially, such as sending notifications to your phone. That’s probably overkill, but it keeps you in the know without hovering like a helicopter parent.
Parents tend to skip over how to teach kids about posting etiquette. Sit down and review:
- Captions
- Emojis
- Hashtags
- Friend requests from strangers
- Filters
It sounds ridiculous, but it’s like giving them driving lessons before they get out on the road by themselves.
Be sure to teach them how what they post lingers on the internet forever. Make them aware that there’s no getting rid of anything embarrassing they say online—screenshots don’t ask permission.
Communicate Boundaries Like You’re Creating a Map, Not an Enclosure
Screen time limits are needed, but how you implement them matters. Don’t simply yell, “No phone after 8!” and leave the room. Explain why. Not in some preachy “when I was your age” tone of voice.
Be honest with your kids. Limits should be set for the time kids and adults are online. Even adults get caught up and must take breaks digitally for their mental health.
Tell them about the studies on white light and how it affects the circadian rhythm and sleep. And remind them why they need their sleep.
Make an agreement for everyone to put their phone away at dinner or turn them off at bedtime. When you set the standard and do as you say, your kids see you as a role model rather than an authoritarian warden. They’ll be more inclined to listen to you, rather than rebel.
Don’t Simply Monitor—Engage
Many parents spy on their children’s accounts like secret agents. That works—until your child discovers your dirty secret, loses your trust, and creates an undercover burner account. A better strategy? Introduce your child to social media and join in on the fun by:
- Replying to what they write
- Tagging them in memes
- Sending them funny filters
Are you already in their virtual space daily? If so, they’re more likely to approach you when something suspicious or bizarre happens.
Because stuff will happen—spammy direct messages, sketchy handles, harmful content, and things they shouldn’t ever see. When they inevitably see it, you want them to bring it to you, not hide it because they’re afraid you’ll take their phone away.
Social Media— It’s a Lifestyle You Coach Your Kids Through
The only thing consistent about social media is change. This isn’t like learning to ride your first bike. It’s not something you do once. You must keep coming back to this topic repeatedly, as:
- They age
- Change apps
- Encounter new friends
- Deal with new stresses.
And that’s okay. That’s what happens as kids grow up and face the world.
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