Teenagers and Social Media; A Basic Guide for Parents

052512_computer-multitaskerYears ago, when you were a kid, one of your Mum and Dad’s biggest worries was probably keeping track of just where you were (and making sure you got home on time) These days, on the face of things, tweens and teens seem easier to track; many of them are in their bedroom on their computer/tablet/smartphone/game console more often than not.

While it may seem as if life is easier, now that your own children spend more time at home than you ever did, what they are doing is still a concern in the age of everything Internet, especially if they, like most of their peers, are spending much of their time in the ever growing – and ever-changing – world of social networking.

Despite what has been written in some of the harsher pieces about social media, it’s not all bad. Sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as newer hangouts like SnapChat and Instagram, do offer anyone a way to expand their social circle, catch up with previously forgotten or faraway friends and an outlet (this is especially true for teens) for self-expression. It can also be a rather dark place. Stories about Internet predators, online bullying and inappropriate postings abound, and these are bound to make any parent nervous and maybe even a little suspicious.

Trying to keep tweens and teens off social media is a battle most parents will lose. In a world where every other kid they know (in their minds at least) has a Facebook profile and an Instagram page and ‘online friends’ from all over the world it is the rare young person who will give up social media without a very big fight, taking all kinds of measures to ensure they can remain connected, no matter what you say.

Rather than encouraging your child to take secretive, deceptive measures to circumvent your rules as a parent you need to take the time to understand just what your kid is doing out there in social media land and, once you actually understand it yourself, help them stay safe and social. Here are some basic tips and guidelines to keep in mind:

Understand Just Where Kids ‘Hang Out’ Online

Chances are that you have a Facebook profile. In fact, the chances are that so do your parents and grandparents too. Facebook still reigns supreme as the world’s number one social networking site and its user demographics are very broad. Many parents, rather sensibly, insist that their tween or teen allow them (if not the rest of the world) to see just what they are posting on FB so they can keep an eye on it. It’s a good idea, but you are only getting a small part of the picture.

Facebook may be your primary social media go to site but it’s unlikely to be the only place your kid is ‘hanging out’ online. Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are all hot right now with teens and young adults and they all offer a different ‘social experience’ that you may not be familiar with.

Take a little time to get familiar with what these services are and what people tend to do with them (there are lots of resources online to help but webpronews.com and mashable.com are good places to start) Then ask your child which of them they use and why they like them. Ask them to show you their profiles and how the sites work, but in a friendly, interested way, not an accusatory one. They are likely to react in a positive manner (because you are taking an interest) and you will have a better idea of just what’s going on in your child’s online social life.

Make Sure Your Kid Understands Social Posting Implications

There are some very basic social media safety rules that sometimes kids tend to forget and it’s always a good idea to remind them off them. These include never posting their physical address or phone number (even in posts that are set just for ‘friends’) or similar information about their family.

They should be reminded never to share financial information (like everywhere else there are a lot of scams on social media) and to be aware that whatever they post can be seen by many others. For example; Just because they post a photo and mark it ‘friends only’ does not stop others from copy/pasting and sharing it, so they should not post anything, ever, that they would not be comfortable with the world seeing (and that includes their teachers)

Make Sure Your Kids Understand Online Dangers

Your kids need to be aware that not everyone online is honest about who they are and what their intentions are. Let them know that if someone makes them feel uncomfortable in any way- bullies them, makes inappropriate suggestions or misbehaves in another way, even if it is someone they also know ‘irl’ (that’s social media speak for ‘in real life’ by the way) they should cease communicating with them and then discuss the situation with you. In some cases their school or other authorities may need to be contacted to rectify a more serious problem.

Social media networking has now proved to be more than a flash in the pan, it’s here to stay and a part of your, and your child’s world. By taking the time to follow the steps outlined above you can help ensure that it’s a positive, rather than negative, aspect of living in a very connected world.