If there is one thing we can count on these days, it’s change. Every day it seems there is a new piece of technology emerging or a new app to download. Furthermore, to learn about a person, all we need to do is spend a few minutes on his or her social media pages.
Our social media accounts have seemingly created profiles for us that sometimes lead people to form an opinion of us even if they haven’t met us in person. We’ve all probably done it ourselves to others. Admit it. Have you caught yourself saying, “I can’t believe they posted that! What were they thinking?” We start to form opinions of people based on what they post.
Now, have you ever posted something on social media that you’ve regretted? I think a lot of us can raise our hand on that one. Let’s face it, as parents this is a whole new world for us and for our kids. So many things have changed since the beginning of social media. So how do we teach our kids if we’re still trying to navigate it ourselves?
One of the most important things I believe we can do as parents is to stay educated on the platforms through which kids can share information, as well as to be able to teach them what is appropriate to share and not to share.
My rule is that I “follow” or I’m “friends” with my daughter on each of her accounts. If I’m not following her, then she doesn’t have the account.
I know it can be easy to say, “I’m just not that tech savvy,” or “I don’t have time to keep up with it all.” Just remember, what may seem like small moments now on social media for our kids can leave a lifetime footprint for them online. Many colleges and employers are now reviewing social media accounts and searching the web before acceptance or hiring. So, educating kids and staying connected with what they’re doing online is more important than ever.
Here is a helpful tool I used with my daughter. It’s called THINK. It’s like a filter for posting to social media accounts. If what your child is about to post doesn’t make it through the filter, it shouldn’t get posted.
Social media can be great and is used for a lot of good. It’s priceless when it comes to building connections with others and there are so many ways to inspire and share great information.
Tools like this can help make sure that happens. Encourage your kids to THINK before they post! And maybe you’ll do the same.
Sara Carnes is co-host of the Family Friendly Morning Show with Len Howser every weekday from 6-9 a.m. on 95.5 The Fish. She and her husband Russ are raising their two daughters, Makayla and Reagan, right here in Northeast Ohio.
