The Internet has forever changed the way we find and share information. Sometimes, it can feel like a full-time job keeping up with new websites, applications and online trends. Computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming devices and even televisions put the web constantly within reach. In recent years, the explosion of social media, in particular, has assumed even greater prominence as a forum for virtual connection.
For parents, questions such as when to encourage children to participate in social media versus where to set limits can be daunting. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, Vine, and Instagram - to name just a few - offer different opportunities to interact with friends, family or strangers - and each comes with its own risks. Even computer games are moving online and becoming more socially interactive, with chat features and discussion boards.
The key is to find balance. How does a parent embrace the benefits that social media can offer children and teens, while ensuring that healthy limits are in place? And perhaps more importantly, how do you protect your kids from those who have predatory intentions?
These important questions require serious consideration because one fact is clear: social media is not going away. In fact, according to data from Facebook, it now boasts 1.19 billion monthly active users. Meanwhile, Twitter has nearly 650 million total feeds. These figures show the staggering reach of just two social media networks.
While this data may seem overwhelming to some parents, it's important to remember that today's young people have grown up in a world where the Internet has always existed. Participating in social media is almost second nature for them, thus understanding the risks that social media can pose (and taking the proper precautions) is paramount.
Minimizing the Risks
The greatest potential risk involved with using social media is the sharing of personal information. Some young people may not realize that sharing sensitive details, such as their home address or daily routine, can put them at risk. Additionally, they may not fully appreciate the potential long term consequences of the fact that whatever they share online is available for everyone to see - forever. In other words, their youthful exuberance with social media could come back to haunt them and lead to serious, real world consequences.
Social media can also leave young people open to harassment from others. Bullying is a serious issue, and interacting with the wrong online crowd can make the problem more severe.
Additionally, studies show that middle school, high school and college students who used Facebook even once during a 15-minute study break obtained lower grades. Meanwhile, new research has suggested a link between overuse of media and technology and an increase in anxiety and depression.
Maximizing the Benefits
On the other hand, using social media isn't all bad. It can help young people learn to communicate, building some of the necessary skills that come from interacting with other people. Because written messages are more apt to be misunderstood than verbal communication, children have the opportunity to learn to write with precision and clarity, especially when faced with character limits such as those found on Twitter.
It also helps young people foster independence and self-expression. Self-produced how-to videos on YouTube are a popular past-time, allowing teens to share skills and learn new ones.
Many extended families have members scattered across the country or the globe. Grandparents can shrink that distance by following their grandchildren's lives on Facebook. Parents can also gain insight into what is going on in their children's lives by following them on social media.
Finding Balance
The key for parents is finding a middle ground that will result in responsible social media use. One idea is for parents to create a contract between themselves and their children. While the terms may differ depending on the age of the child, there are certain guidelines that can apply to every young person.
- Safety should be the first concern. Tell your children to refrain from giving out personal information or agreeing to meet someone in person that they've met online.
- Good online behavior is also critical. The way young people portray themselves can come back to haunt them in real life. Documentation of bad behavior will have major consequences, at school or on the job. Young people should understand that they should never do something online they wouldn't do in person.
- Parents should be aware of all of the social spheres where a child participates. Computer games and tutoring sites may have age appropriate content, but strangers sending chat messages may not abide by those standards. Overuse is also an issue that should be addressed. Coming up with a suitable limit for how much time a young person can spend online is a good idea, as this can help cut down on distractions that may take away from other areas of life, such as schoolwork and offline play.
- Open channels of communication are essential. Even with every safeguard in place, there is always the possibility that children will be confronted with situations that call for parental action. Providing guidance on what to do when others are out of line can keep unpleasant incidents from becoming more serious.
For more information, read HUB International's Protect Your Children When Using Social Media.