Oh, social media! What a gift and a curse it has come to be. It has helped us connect to people on the other side of the world and at times has alienated us from our children in our own households. NIA’s own Program Supervisor, Jennifer Padilla-Howard, recently spoke on the topic as a parent and professional in a recent discussion with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (link here). Although it may seem daunting, here are our top five tips to help parents navigate social media with their children:

1. Discuss - Treat social media as you would any other important subject in their lives. Create an open dialogue. Ask them about what they are currently following or interested in online. Let them educate you on the latest trends and happenings. Ask questions! Keep having these conversations frequently because new interests arise often and are fluid.

2. Privacy settings - Once you know what platforms they are using, do some research to understand what information the site collects and what the default settings are. This step is important because it will help you determine if your child’s information is being tracked or sold and the types of pop-ups that your child will be exposed to. Explain the purpose of passwords and create them together. Passwords should not be changed or shared without your knowledge.

3. Set ground rules - Just as you would set a curfew, create rules around usage. How often and for how long? Do they have to be in the room with you? What device can they use? What are the consequences of breaking the rules? Setting up boundaries with your child will make them feel part of the process.

4. What to share - Discuss what information is appropriate to share. Would your child be embarrassed if you read something they posted or saw a particular picture? Children must understand that when they post something, it is public and permanent. Also, posting personal information, such as where they live, can put their safety in jeopardy. Not everyone is who they appear to be, and their information can be used in dangerous ways.

5. Pay attention - Has your child’s demeanor changed? Do they seem sad or withdrawn? Have they lost interest in things they used to enjoy? If so, speak to them about it and offer support. Contact your child’s pediatrician or school counselor for further guidance.

To talk through these tips and more, stay tuned for an NIA parent workshop on social media safety – coming soon!