Ten Things Tweens Should Know About Social Media
1. The internet is not private. Nothing you share online is private, EVER. Sharing social media may feel private some of the time; but, you should always know that once you share information online, in any format, you lose some control over this information. This lack of privacy is especially true for social media. You may think you are only sharing the information with selected group of a few friends; however, you can never know what happens to something after you put it out there. Use that information to inform your choices.
2. Social media moves like wild fire, and is very hard to put out.
Part of the joy of the internet is that you can reach a whole lot of people very, very quickly. This means you can use the internet to do so many amazing things; on the other hand, it also means that negative things can get out of control very extremely quickly. Once any of this information is out there, it is very very difficult to get rid of it. Think about what you are sharing online, and if you are not prepared to have it shouted from the roof tops and shared with the world, keep it to yourself.
Part of the joy of the internet is that you can reach a whole lot of people very, very quickly. This means you can use the internet to do so many amazing things; on the other hand, it also means that negative things can get out of control very extremely quickly. Once any of this information is out there, it is very very difficult to get rid of it. Think about what you are sharing online, and if you are not prepared to have it shouted from the roof tops and shared with the world, keep it to yourself.
3. Be safe, even if it seems uncool.
Know what safe internet use is, and adhere to those guidelines – never share your full name, your location, or the name of your school…EVER, even if that makes you seem uncool.
Know what safe internet use is, and adhere to those guidelines – never share your full name, your location, or the name of your school…EVER, even if that makes you seem uncool.
4. There are good and bad people everywhere, even on the internet.
Of course, not everyone on the internet is evil; but, social media can make it easier for people to be mean, inappropriate, and use bullying tactics. Although it doesn’t mean that everyone online is out to get you, it is important for you to be aware, and cautious, when you need to, just like you are in real life.
Of course, not everyone on the internet is evil; but, social media can make it easier for people to be mean, inappropriate, and use bullying tactics. Although it doesn’t mean that everyone online is out to get you, it is important for you to be aware, and cautious, when you need to, just like you are in real life.
5. Think about what a friend actually is.
These days, we are asked to ‘friend’ people online whom we’ve never met, and will probably never meet. Understand that being ‘friends’ on social media is not the same as being friends in real life. What you share with online friends, and what you expect from them, is not the same as the relationship you have with friends in real life.
These days, we are asked to ‘friend’ people online whom we’ve never met, and will probably never meet. Understand that being ‘friends’ on social media is not the same as being friends in real life. What you share with online friends, and what you expect from them, is not the same as the relationship you have with friends in real life.
6. The power of a ‘like.’
With the tap of a finger, or the click of a button, that little ‘like’, ‘friend’, or comment can make us feel awesome, or awful. Don’t give social media power over your self-esteem.
With the tap of a finger, or the click of a button, that little ‘like’, ‘friend’, or comment can make us feel awesome, or awful. Don’t give social media power over your self-esteem.
7. It is easy to hide behind a screen.
It’s easy to feel detached from reality, or to hide behind the screen of a computer or device, and to make poor choices about how we interact with people online; but, always remember there are real people behind each avatar. Be the sort of person online that you want to be in real life. Any time you see others behaving badly or bullying, call them on it, and ask for help from an adult. Report any online bullying you see on social media to the site.
It’s easy to feel detached from reality, or to hide behind the screen of a computer or device, and to make poor choices about how we interact with people online; but, always remember there are real people behind each avatar. Be the sort of person online that you want to be in real life. Any time you see others behaving badly or bullying, call them on it, and ask for help from an adult. Report any online bullying you see on social media to the site.
8. Don’t fall into the comparison trap
Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your real life with someone else’s online life. It’s very easy for people to make their lives seem way more awesome online than they really are.
Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your real life with someone else’s online life. It’s very easy for people to make their lives seem way more awesome online than they really are.
9. Your parents can supervise you.
When you were learning to walk, your parents held your hand. When you were learning to read, they pointed to the words, listened to your read outloud, and helped you sound out difficult words. Your parents can also help you learn how to navigate social media. That means that they can talk to you about it, sit beside you and show you, and look over your shoulder while you use social media. It also means that your parents can make rules for your social media usage, know your passwords, and check on what is going on in your social media life. Let your parents help you by taking an active role in helping you learn how to use social media until they feel like you can manage it on your own.
When you were learning to walk, your parents held your hand. When you were learning to read, they pointed to the words, listened to your read outloud, and helped you sound out difficult words. Your parents can also help you learn how to navigate social media. That means that they can talk to you about it, sit beside you and show you, and look over your shoulder while you use social media. It also means that your parents can make rules for your social media usage, know your passwords, and check on what is going on in your social media life. Let your parents help you by taking an active role in helping you learn how to use social media until they feel like you can manage it on your own.
10. Switching off is your most powerful tool.
If you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or if social media is making you upset or down on yourself, switch off and walk away.
If you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or if social media is making you upset or down on yourself, switch off and walk away.
Parents: Do your kids use social media?
Is there anything you would add to this list? Anything you think they need to know to be safe and happy online?
It’s not always easy negotiating everything our kids are going through as a parent, espcially things that most of us never had to deal with as children; and, your thoughts and ideas are valuable!
Kristine M. Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC School Counselor, Mediator, & Consultant rfhscounselor@gmail.com
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