While some experts recommend waiting until eighth grade to allow social media access, it ultimately depends on your child’s maturity level. Delaying exposure can help kids be more responsible and less vulnerable to emotional harm.
Caregiver Tips: Introducing Technology and Media Platforms
It can be overwhelming and challenging to keep up with the ever-changing online world. Technology has become a part of our daily lives and has some benefits, but with this comes the challenges. When it comes to kids and social media, there are important considerations for parents.
When kids start using social media, parents should actively monitor their activity. Discuss acceptable behavior, review their friends’ accounts and teach them the do’s and don’ts. Parents and caregivers have a responsibility to model responsible social media use for their children, here are some recommendations:
Set clear rules for social media use. Encourage kids to think about who they’re sharing with and what’s appropriate. Consequences for breaking rules should be well-defined, however, it is important to choose the consequence appropriately (even though your first instinct may be to remove the phone). Check out this guideline to get you started and help you with implementation.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat offer parental control settings. These allow you to limit screen time, control privacy settings, and restrict certain content. Creating joint accounts with your child is another option. To help you with using parental controls, use this tip-sheet.
To keep your personal information safe, it's essential to have strong privacy settings on your apps and devices. This can also help you have control over your digital footprint, which is the trail of data you create while using the internet. When securing your accounts, remember to also talk with your kids about protecting their data anytime they use tech. Help your child tighten up their account settings with these precautions.
What’s the right age to get kids technology and apps? What are the basic safety rules? How can I get my kids to put down their devices? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, check out the recommendations below.
Gaming Safely When Are Kids Ready for Social Media Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Conversation Starters
The most important prevention tool is to have open and continuous communication with your children. Start conversations about safety as early as possible, even before kids go online. Open, ongoing talks about boundaries and consent build a strong bond with your child. They lay a foundation for healthy relationships, empathy, and development. When adults shy away from these conversations, kids are left to figure it out on their own. By talking to them, we can provide accurate information, share our values and beliefs, and learn about theirs. Explore some age-specific conversation starters to have with the kids in your life.
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Balancing Media Lives
Kids learn how to use technology by watching their parents and caregivers, so model healthy habits early. Technology and media surround us, from phones and tablets to YouTube and streaming movies. Kids love having quick access to content, games, and entertainment. Kids can study on the move and keep occupied while supper is cooking, parents and other caregivers appreciate. But, when the phone won't stop "pinging" and the next episode auto-plays, it's easy to go overboard. Families that follow a few basic guidelines may regulate how much media and technology they consume.
Be a Role Model: 4 Ways to Balance Screen Time Around Children
Lego Build & Talk is a fun activity for kids aged 6 to 9. It helps families discuss digital safety topics easily while playing with LEGO® bricks. Additionally, it offers discussion starters to kick off the conversation.
Young Kids and Screens Common Sense Media has a section for Young Kids and Screens where you will find a workshop that uses kid-friendly videos for ages 0-8 Introducing Online Safety to Young Kids.
Create a personalized online safety advice toolkit for your family that keeps up with your child’s digital needs. It only takes two steps:
- Answer a few questions about your children’s digital habits (takes just a few minutes)
- Get your toolkit straight to your inbox to use as often as you like!
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