How to Prepare Your Children for Social Media
When children begin using social media, it’s important for their parents or guardians to explain any rules you may have for them while using social media platforms, as well as explain how others’ posts may not always show an accurate depiction of their life. At a young age, children are impressionable to messages social media apps share, so it’s important for them to be prepared on how to handle those situations online. Below are a few tips on how to help your children navigate the world of social media.
- Explain social media messaging to your children ahead of time so they’re prepared to know the truth versus being deceived. As children grow up, they become more susceptible to how their bodies look, what clothes they wear and how they treat people based on what they see (online and in person). So, to help them understand a healthy lifestyle, try explaining how photos and videos can be edited to distort someone; how brands use marketing tools to attract others even if the product isn’t healthy; and they don’t have to do what their friends are doing or following.
- Tell them how social media works so they know what they post online can live on the internet forever; not all posts are safe to click on; and just like in reality, do not engage with strangers. Many children between the ages of 10 and 12 begin to feel that social rewards are a lot more satisfying because of the changes developing in their brains, according to the American Psychological Association. So, compliments and attention are things that children in this age group crave, which can become harmful to them online if they talk to anyone who gives them a compliment.
- Explain how strangers are just as harmful online as they are in person. By explaining to them that they should treat others how they would in person, may help them realize the online world can be dangerous. For example, if a stranger would come up to them and try talking to them, they wouldn’t engage with that person, which is what they should do online. Another aspect of social media apps is strangers can hack and impersonate someone they know, so show them what that would look like, so they don’t fall into a stranger danger situation.
- Encourage your children to put their devices away before bedtime so they aren’t too distracted to fall asleep. A healthy night’s sleep is helpful for children’s health and behavior, but they can find it difficult to sleep if they’re distracted or thinking about something that happened online. Giving them breathing room from social media and getting ready for bed, can help their brain and bodies relax.
- Be a good role model for your children by following the same rules you placed for them. Whether you have a screen time rule or not using your phone when someone is talking to you, make sure you also show your children you can follow your own rules, too. As the person taking care of them, they will look to you on how to act.
Children can show irritability, self-esteem and anger issues from using social media apps. If it becomes worrisome, please contact EAP at (319) 398-6694.
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