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Using social media is very common in 2022, but it’s also approaching children at a younger age each year. Many children in your child’s school, like this private school in Caterham, may already be using social media on a regular basis, so they will of course be tempted to look at ways they can join in.
Provide a safe environment for your child to learn to enjoy social media, and give them the chance to look at different social networks to see which ones they will end up using the most. You can then teach them to use these networks responsibly with these top tips.
Give your child the chance to explore social media
Your child won’t know what’s out there if they’re not able to even access social media on a regular basis. Allow them to explore social media freely at first, with your eyes on them as they browse. If they’re used to how the social media platforms they choose work then it will be easier for them to understand how to come across any scams or risks.
Facebook, for instance, is going to have lots of different risks in comparison to other platforms out there, like Twitter, Instagram or TikTok. Giving your child the experience first hand at what to look out for gives them the better experience on these platforms.
Research the most common risks to users on social media
Doing some prior research will help you and your child know what to look out for that could be dodgy or unpleasant. Having the knowledge yourself means that you can better support your child if they’re feeling overwhelmed when they’re online, or telltale signs that your child is falling into a trap.
On the flip side your child could be causing their own trouble online. This is where you need to ensure your child knows what’s right and what’s wrong when they’re online. Putting others in danger and sharing inappropriate content would be a huge risk for your child.
Be aware of online bullying
Your child could be the victim of cyberbullying, or they could be the cyberbully themselves. Either way your child could be at serious risk, which is why you should be prepared for what could happen. Make an open environment for your child to be able to communicate with you freely and see what your child opens up to you about. Make them feel welcome in the space you have for them, and also aim to stamp out any negative behaviour early on.