Social Media: Protecting Your Child

This session discusses how to understand and manage your child’s social media use. As parents, navigating the digital world can be challenging, especially with nearly half of teenagers admitting they feel addicted to their smartphones. This session aims to equip you with essential tools and strategies to guide your child in using devices responsibly.

We’ll explore the impact of screen time, introduce parental control apps, and discuss how to foster meaningful connections with your child while setting healthy boundaries. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to safeguard your child in our ever-evolving digital world.

Instant Insights

Deep Dive

Key Takeaways

1

Teens and Smartphones

Nearly half of teens feel addicted to their phones, requiring mindful monitoring by parents.
2

Device Guidelines

Set clear boundaries and guidelines for device use to promote healthy habits.

3

Parental Control Tools

Utilize tools like Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link to track and limit screen time.

4

Monitor Social Media

Regularly check your child's social media accounts for any red flags, including hidden or fake accounts.
5

Quality Family Time

Disconnect from screens to engage in quality, non-digital activities with your children.
6

Internet Safety

Delay social media use until age 13 and ensure your child knows their online friends personally.
7

Education and Dialogue

Teach your children about digital footprints, online privacy, and responsible posting.
8

Proactive Monitoring

Actively monitor your child’s online activities to prevent exposure to harmful content.
9

Develop Family Plans

Establish a family plan for device use, including screen-free zones and regular discussions on digital habits.

Ways Parents Can Help Protect Their Child’s Online Presence

  1. Monitor Social Media Accounts: Regularly check your child’s social media profiles, including hidden or secondary accounts.

  2. Use Parental Control Apps: Utilize apps that help manage and limit screen time, as well as monitor content.

  3. Discuss Safe Online Behavior: Educate your child about the risks of social media, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy concerns.

  4. Explore Platform Safety Features: Familiarize yourself with safety tools on platforms like TikTok’s Family Pairing and Digital Wellbeing features.

  5. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules for social media use, including screen time limits and guidelines for what content is appropriate to share.

  6. Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk openly about their online experiences and any concerns they may have.

  7. Restrict Access to Risky Platforms: Consider limiting or delaying access to platforms known for higher risks, such as Discord, until more robust safety measures are available.

Additional Resources

Get additional resources with our on-demand courses library

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