Navigating Social Media Use with Your Child

As a parent, handling social media with your child can feel like walking on a tightrope.

There are pros and cons to letting your kids have their own social media accounts, and weighing those positives and negatives can be a challenge.

But, if your child has been asking about using social media, it’s important to do things the right way.

Social media doesn’t have to be a “bad” or scary thing for kids, as long as you establish some ground rules and your child is ready to use technology responsibly.

If you’re still wondering how to navigate social media use with your child, keep a few of these ideas in mind to keep things both safe and fun for them.

1. Talk About It

Before allowing your child to get started on social media, the best thing you can do is have several conversations about it.

These conversations should cover everything from being responsible online to the importance of privacy, cyberbullying, and everything in between.

One common mistake parents often make is assuming a conversation about social media is a “one-and-done” thing.

Your talks about social media should be ongoing as your child becomes more experienced and more active online.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem or a dangerous situation to have serious talks.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

The digital world can be a scary place.

Thankfully, as a parent, you still have some control over what your child can and can’t view or be a part of online.

• If you are willing to let your child use social media, set boundaries by implementing parental controls wherever possible.

• You can also agree with your child on things like screen time, apps they can and can’t use, and the type of content they’re allowed to view.

Setting boundaries, especially verbal ones, with your child gives them a sense of responsibility.

It also lets them know there will be consequences if those boundaries are crossed.

3. Be a Social Media Role Model

Social media is a prominent part of the world we live in, and it’s nearly impossible not to be connected to at least one platform.

Whether you’re on one or a dozen, make sure you’re modeling good behavior online for your child.

• Take care to watch your own screen time and the content you view.

• If your child follows you on social media, make sure you’re posting and sharing things that are appropriate.

It might not always seem like it, but your child looks to you for guidance in almost every way.

They’re likely to mimic the behavior they see from you online.

4. Educate and Encourage

Most kids want social media because it gives them a sense of independence.

They can talk to friends and family, follow the influencers they like, and use it as a way to express themselves.

It’s okay to encourage them to take advantage of the benefits of social media.

But make sure you also educate them on the importance of things like cybercrime and how to recognize red flags when they come up.

These red flags aren’t always easy for adults to spot. So they can be even more difficult for children to recognize.

5. A Social Future

It’s important to consider your child’s age when deciding whether they’re ready for social media.

But, if it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while and your child has expressed a desire, you can still feel safe and comfortable allowing them to use it with a few strategies in place.

If you’re still confused about effectively navigating social media use with your child, consider setting up an appointment to discuss things.

There might be some underlying concerns that we can bring to the surface.