Social Media Safety -- Advice for Busy Parents

As busy professionals, we still have responsibilities to care for the children we love in our lives.

I've just published a book that is a detailed and practical roadmap to keep teens safe when using social media.

Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1:?Privacy – Your Child's Digital Footprint

Introduction:?The Social Media Balancing Act

Social media is a dynamic space where young people connect,?share their lives,?and express themselves creatively.?It's a world of fun,?friendship,?and learning,?but it also comes with inherent privacy risks.?Understanding these risks is crucial for teens to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.?This chapter aims to equip both young users and parents (and guardians) with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard personal information and maintain control over their online presence.

Your Privacy Toolbox:?Settings and Beyond

Think of privacy settings as the security system for your child's digital home.?They're the first line of defense against prying eyes and unwanted attention.

Pro Tip:?Take Control,?Don't Just Click "Accept All." Resist the urge to breeze through the setup process.?Instead,?dedicate time to meticulously review each platform's privacy settings.?Many social media platforms default to settings that expose more information than necessary.?By customizing these settings,?you can significantly reduce your child's digital footprint. This is especially true for social media apps on phones.

Privacy Settings Checklist:?Lock Down Your Digital Home?

·?????? Profile Visibility:?Set your child's profile to private.?This simple step ensures that only approved friends or followers can view their posts,?photos,?and personal details.

·?????? Sharing Controls:?Limit who can see each post.?Most platforms offer options to share with specific groups of friends or make posts visible only to the user.

·?????? Tagging:?Take control of who can tag your child in photos and posts.?Some platforms allow you to review tags before they appear on their profile.

·?????? Check-In Features:?Discuss with your child the potential risks of using features that reveal their current activities or whereabouts.

Case Study:?The Accidental Overshare

Sarah,?a 14-year-old,?thought her privacy settings were ironclad.?But when she used a feature on a social media app to share that she was at a local restaurant,?her friends' friends could see this information.?This led to an uncomfortable encounter with a stranger who recognized her from her profile picture.?Sarah quickly learned the importance of customizing privacy settings and being mindful of the information she shares online.

Guarding Your Child's Personal Information:?Less is More

Personal information is a valuable commodity online.?Teach your child to be mindful of what they share and to follow these essential tips:

·?????? Oversharing: Beware!?Avoid sharing full names,?home addresses,?phone numbers,?school names,?or detailed daily routines.?This information can be exploited for identity theft,?stalking,?or harassment.

·?????? Strong Passwords: The Key to Digital Security?Use strong,?unique passwords for each social media account.?A strong password includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters,?numbers,?and symbols.?Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage passwords.?Never use easily guessable information like phone numbers, addresses, or birthdays. Change passwords on a regular basis.

·?????? Phishing Scams: Don't Take the Bait?Teach your child to be wary of messages or emails that seem too good to be true or asking for personal information.?These could be phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive data.?Explain common tactics like fake friend requests,?offers of free gifts,?or urgent requests for financial information. More on these issues later in the book.

·?????? Public Wi-Fi: A Hotspot for Hackers?Avoid logging into unsecured accounts,?like banking, hotels, airports, restaurants, coffee shops, etc., on public Wi-Fi networks.?These networks are often unsecured,?making it easier for hackers to intercept personal information.?Use a secure,?password-protected network whenever possible.

·?????? Pro Tip: Use the HOTSPOT option on a cell phone for laptop or tablet log-ins when away from home.

Case Study:?The Fake Friend Request

Justin,?a 15-year-old,?received a friend request from someone who seemed familiar but wasn't in his school.?He accepted the request,?and soon,?the new "friend" was asking for Justin's phone number and address.?Fortunately,?Justin's parents had warned him about online scams,?and he reported the fake profile.

Social Media Challenges and Trends Leading to Harm:?

Viral social media challenges and trends,?while often harmless fun,?can sometimes encourage dangerous behavior in teens.?Examples include the "Benadryl Challenge" (overdosing on allergy medication) and the "Blackout Challenge" (choking oneself until passing out), which have led to hospitalizations and even deaths.

Know about the dangers of these viral social media challenges and discuss the dangers with the children you love.

Parents:?Guiding Your Child Through the Digital Maze

·?????? Open Communication: The Foundation of Trust?is to foster open and honest conversations about online safety and privacy.?Make it an ongoing dialogue,?not a one-time discussion.?Let your children know they can come to you with any concerns or questions without fear of judgment.

·?????? Monitoring (with Respect): Finding the Right Balance?Regularly check in on your child's social media activity, but do so respectfully.?Explain your reasons for monitoring and establish clear boundaries to avoid invading their privacy.

·?????? Lead by Example: Actions Speak Louder Than Words?Demonstrate responsible social media use yourself.?Be mindful of your own privacy settings and the information you share online.

·?????? Be careful about sharing pictures of your children online. Think about the long term implications.

·?????? Tech Tools: Your Digital Parenting Allies?Consider using parental control apps or software to monitor your child's online activity,?filter content,?and set time limits.

·?????? Stay Informed: Knowledge is Power?Keep up with the latest social media trends,?privacy concerns,?and emerging threats.?Numerous resources are available to help you educate yourself and your children about online safety.

·?????? Reputable Sources for Parents:?Organizations like Common Sense Media,?ConnectSafely,?and the Family Online Safety Institute offer valuable information and guidance on digital parenting.

Teens:?Take Charge of Your Digital Footprint

·?????? Be Selective:?Think carefully about who you accept as friends or followers.?Stick to people you know and trust in real life.

·?????? Think Before You Post:?Pause before sharing anything online.?Consider how it might be perceived by others,?now and in the future. Remember, there is no such thing as delete.

·?????? Review Your Posts Regularly:?Take time to go through your profile and delete any old posts or photos that you no longer want to be public.

·?????? Speak Up:?If you see something online that makes you uncomfortable or feel unsafe,?tell a trusted adult immediately.

By understanding the potential privacy risks and taking proactive measures,?teens can enjoy the many benefits of social media while minimizing the dangers.?With your guidance and support,?they can navigate the digital world with confidence,?making smart choices that protect their personal information and online reputation.

You can read more at: Social Media Safety: What Parents and Teens Need to Know. Now available on Amazon. https://shorturl.at/VdqQ5

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