As communications director, part of my job at the church is keeping up with all the new social medias, and my goodness there are a lot. I was becoming a teenager when smartphones started to become popular, and back then I remember being lucky to have Facebook. But now, between SnapChat, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook (if any teenager still uses the app), it can be tough to keep up with. Over the years, we’ve all heard the horror stories of social media and kids, the dangers that it can pose (even as I write this, Florida has just passed a law banning all social media for those 14 and under). So it’s no surprise that one of the topics Julia and I get asked about most is social media. Which ones should we allow our kids to use? What do they do? So Julia and I put our heads together to come up with some of the most important tips to pass on. First, a quick primer on all the major platforms.
Facebook: Facebook is a widely-used social networking platform that allows users to connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, join groups based on interests, and follow pages of businesses and organizations. It offers features like news feed, messaging, events, and marketplace.
Instagram: Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform where users can post content in the form of images or short videos, apply filters and edits, and share them with followers. It’s known for its visual-centric nature, with features like stories, IGTV, reels, and explore page.
Twitter: Twitter is a microblogging platform where users can post short text-based messages known as “tweets” of up to 280 characters. It’s popular for real-time updates, news, opinions, and engaging in conversations through hashtags, mentions, and retweets.
Snapchat: Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app where users can share photos and videos with friends, which disappear after a certain time set by the sender. It features stories, filters, lenses, and a discover section for content from publishers and creators.
TikTok: TikTok is a short-form video-sharing platform where users can create and share videos up to 60 seconds long, often set to music or sound clips. It’s known for its algorithm-driven “For You” page, where users can discover content tailored to their interests.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform designed for career development, job searching, and business networking. Users can create profiles highlighting their work experience, skills, and education, connect with colleagues and industry professionals, and access job postings and business news.
YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, and share videos on a wide range of topics. It hosts a vast array of content, including educational tutorials, entertainment, music videos, vlogs, and more, and users can subscribe to channels and engage through likes, comments, and shares.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform where users can discover and save ideas, inspiration, and content in the form of images or “pins.” It’s commonly used for planning events, DIY projects, home decor, fashion, and recipe ideas, organized into personalized boards.
As you can imagine, we are often hesitant to recommend Snapchat to anyone, given how it can be used and the lack of monitoring options, but all platforms have dangers. So how do we navigate it all?
Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences with you. Encourage them to share both positive and negative interactions they encounter on social media.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules and boundaries for social media use, such as time limits, appropriate platforms, and content guidelines. Be consistent in enforcing these rules.
Educate About Privacy: Teach your child about the importance of privacy settings and the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Help them understand the permanence of digital footprints and the potential consequences of oversharing.
Monitor Activity: Stay informed about your child’s online activities by monitoring their social media accounts regularly. Utilize parental control tools and privacy settings to ensure their safety.
Address Cyberbullying: Discuss the importance of treating others with respect online and what to do if they encounter cyberbullying. Encourage them to report any instances of bullying or harassment and provide emotional support if needed.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest social media trends, apps, and safety features. This will enable you to better guide and support your child in navigating the ever-evolving online landscape.
Be Supportive: Finally, reassure your child that they can come to you with any concerns or issues they may encounter online without fear of judgment or punishment. Offer guidance, support, and encouragement as they learn to navigate the digital world responsibly.
And of course, if you have any questions about any social media platform, either Julia or myself would be more than happy to talk with you!
