Social media is an interesting beast and something that most parents didn't have to navigate as teens themselves. So what are the things that your teen needs to know and consider before starting that account, replying to that stranger, or posting that photo?
As our children grow, we learn ourselves to 'let go of the rope' just a little more each year, with trust and love. One way to empower our teens to make good decisions is to get them to question and think about why they are making the choices they are. Asking your teen why they want a social media account is a good chance for them to think more critically about what the social media platform is used for, who they will be reaching, their motivation behind it (e.g. 'because everyone else is'). One way of getting them to think more is by giving them a social media account limit, for example - you can have two social media accounts, so have a think about what you will use them for, why and who you will be connecting with on them.
1. SOCIAL MEDIA IS LIKE LOLLIES - IT'S BETTER SOMETIMES AND NOT OFTEN
2. BEWARE OF STRANGER FRIEND REQUESTS
3. UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROFILES PRIVATE
4. WHAT YOU POST ONLINE CAN BE SHARED AROUND THE WORLD
5. YOUR FUTURE UNIVERSITY AND/OR EMPLOYER CAN LOOK UP YOUR NAME WHAT WILL THEY FIND
6. STRANGER DANGER EXISTS ONLINE TOO
7. BULLYING HAPPENS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND HAS CONSEQUENCES
8. PEOPLE IN REAL LIFE MATTER
9. SOCIAL MEDIA ISOLATES YOU FROM OTHERS
10. YOUR WORTH DOES NOT COME FROM LIKES OR COMMENTS FROM OTHERS
