Social Media
Social media
are computer-based technologies that allow the creating and sharing of information, ideas, pictures and other forms of expression through online platforms and virtual communities.
Teens and tweens often occupy their free time glued to their smartphones or devices--texting, sharing, trolling, and scrolling on social media.
Adolescents have a lot of anxiety about how and where they fit in, and social media provides a tangible measure of peer approval. Teens put themselves out there on social media hoping for likes, positive comments, and affirmations. Somehow the "Likes" on individual posts make teens believe they are accepted and well-liked by their peers.
Popular Apps
Teens have access to thousands of apps. Some good, some bad. Some are visible on the phone, some can be hidden and made invisible, and others can be disguised as something they're not. Parents should be aware of the apps their children are using. Some of the most popular ones used by teens:
Facebook
Facebook aims to give people the power to share and make the world more connected. Kids tend to share personal information on their Facebook profile.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook messenger allows you to chat with anyone on Facebook. To initiate a conversation with users, you need to add them to your Facebook friend list.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a messaging service that allows people to send photos and short videos to each other that disappear seconds after opening them (or so students think). Teens particularly like Snapchat because most parents are not on it and the content "disappears" and is harder to retrieve.
Instagram
Instagram allows users to take photos, apply a filter, and share them. This app is great for showcasing one's accomplishments and adventures, but teens must be cautious with what they post.
Musical.ly
Musical.ly lets users create lip-syncing videos to their favorite songs. While this app may be fun for teens, adult content can be found on the app.
Vine
Vine is a video sharing app. Teens often post videos of their everyday life and blunders. Kids want popularity, so they try to collect more views and reviews from friends and strangers.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a mobile messenger that is similar to short message services. Users can share location and contacts with other users. WhatsApp helps kids bypass text messaging to communicate with their friends.
Kik Messenger
Kik allows anyone on the app to contact your child and directly message them. It has been known to allow adults to communicate with preteens, and is very difficult to discern who is a predator and who is real. Kik allows students to bypass text messaging on their phone and connect with anyone on the Kik network.
Students Remember:
Tips for Parents:
Most importantly, parents should set a good example of what healthy computer/smart phone usage looks like. Many adults spend a great deal of time checking their phones, email, and social media, unaware they may be modeling negative behavior. Take advantage of opportunities to talk to your tween/teen, rather than constantly devoting your attention to your electronic devices. Children should have the benefit of our full attention.
To keep teens safe online:
Communicate with your teen.
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Warn your teen about the potential risks on social media sites.
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Discuss the importance of telling you or another trusted adult if anything ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused while online.
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Talk to your teen about what personal information is and why is it should never be shared online without your permission.
Establish rules for internet use.
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Define which social media sites your teen can visit.
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Set time limits on computers and digital devices.
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Learn how to set parental controls.
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Establish a family "charging station" where all digital devices are charged overnight.
Monitor your teen's online life.
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Learn how to check texting and search histories.
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Create settings to be notified when your teen posts.
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Know who is connecting to your teen online and set rules for social media, instant messaging, texting, emailing, and camera usage.
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Teach teens to only accept friend requests from people they know. Review their friend and social media contact lists with them. Make sure they can put a face to every name on each list.
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Check your teen's email addresses and screen name for appropriateness.
Character Trait of the Month
Kindness
Kindness is the ability to place the needs of others in front of your own. It means to show interest and concern for others. It also means to be friendly and considerate.
Random acts of kindness:
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Leave a surprise for your parent(s)
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Give someone a compliment
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Tell your teacher that you appreciate him or her
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Smile and say "Hi!" to someone you don't normally talk to
There are many ways we can display kindness to others. I challenge you to use these, or come up with your own random acts of kindness. You could be the person that makes a difference in someone's day!
Sources
Ochs, Josh. (2014). Light, Bright & Polite.
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