Keeping Your Kids Safe On Social Media
In a previous ASI article, it was reported that parents now face a daunting challenge of helping their kids learn how to be responsible digital citizens. Good thing access to AI-powered apps that can help them protect their kids’ online is possible. This article now tackles kids’ safety in using social media because there are many things to worry about the moment they start to be exposed in social media. They need to be protected from scammers and cyberbullies to problematic influencers, to fake news and more.
It does not have to be an all-or-nothing approach when allowing our children on social media and the internet. What’s important is that parents continue to supervise and guide children to responsible use of digital media. Here are some good points to start with in making social media safe for kids:
- Usernames and passwords. Sure, BabyYoda as a password is cute and easy to remember. Still, it won’t be enough to protect your kids from people trying to get into their social media accounts and getting their personal information. The basics of data privacy are secure usernames and strong passwords. Teach them how to make strong passwords that are easy to remember (to them) and that they should NEVER REUSE any of their passwords.
- Logging out. Aside from secure passwords, remind your kids to always log out after using gadgets that are not their own (yes, even those owned by other family members, just so they can get into the habit). In the same manner, teach them that if someone else leaves their social media accounts still logged in to never use or go through other people’s accounts and gadgets without explicit permission or share photos, videos, and screenshots without consent.
- Privacy Settings. One of the basics of social media safety for kids is to keep all their profiles private. Facebook profiles can be locked and all their posts and photos can be set up to only be seen by selected audiences. Instagram also has the option to keep profiles private so that accounts will have to be approved before they can follow. Check out your kid’s other social media accounts and keep all of them private. You also have to note that these platforms update their policies all the time, so make sure you’re up to date by regularly checking their privacy settings!
- Age Restrictions. There’s a reason the most popular social media sites have 13 as their minimum age to sign up. According to Psychology Today, it takes kids at least 12 years to fully develop the cognitive structures that allow them abstract thinking, which is imperative in developing ethical thinking. Not all social networking sites enforce this, some may have lower or higher age limits but 13 is a good age marker to start introducing them to social media (if you’re ready by then). However, you can also enforce an internal age limit for your kids for your peace of mind if you feel like they aren’t ready or equipped enough yet.
- Parental controls. Parental controls are easy to set up and are essential to keep your child’s online experience positive and safe. Start with setting up safe search and reminding them to keep their webcams covered when they’re not on video call. Monitor their app downloads and be wary of the new ones that don’t have a lot of reviews yet. Never let them use apps that ask for permission to access their contacts and gallery. Review the games they play (and check the messages from other players), and routinely check their profiles, posts, the people and accounts they follow, and online activity in general.
