Dealing with the Social Media Explosion

The social media explosion is totally out of control!

The minute you have mastered one - a newer, better one shows up.

For parents who want to keep close tabs on their kids, the whole idea of social media may seem daunting. But if you establish some basic, manageable guidelines, it could be easier than you think. If you want your child to have access to their own device or internet profiles, please be careful.

Teenagers, if  your parents do not have guidelines set up for you, it would be very wise of you to follow these suggestions and offer this option to your parents. You shouldn't have anything to hide.

1. Be open. Social media isn't bad. It's a wonderful tool to connect with family, friends, and church family. Unfortunately people often forget to guard their tongues through the keyboard, like they would guard their tongue in every day life. It's an easy slope to fall down. But if your child is interested in joining the social media world, consider allowing it - rather than claming up and shutting your child down. It could be a great opportunity for you to give them some of that desperately desired "teenage" freedom, while at the same time monitoring them within your bubble.

2. Be choosy! There are seriously hundreds of social media sites and dozens of mainstream sites. Your teenager does not have to have every single one. Choose one or two that are very visible to you, but also secure for your child. Teach them responsibility with a smaller number. I would suggest allowing your child to have one site (such as Facebook) for several months, and if they have proven responsibility, they can use another site… if they are interested.

3. Be nosy! Require that your child provide you with passwords to all of their social media and email. No passwords - no social media - no technology. End of story. And here is the key: Log into their accounts! Check on them regularly.

You might think that just friending or following your child is enough. But unless you are actually logging into their accounts, you might not be seeing the whole story. Did you know that many sites have privacy settings that allow your teenager to block you if you are friends with them or follow them? Yes, that's right… Your child could share something with Best Friend 1 & Friend 2, and you would never know about it, unless you actually log into their account.

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