Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Whatsapp – you probably don’t have these apps downloaded, but your child, niece or nephew is using them frequently to speak to their friends, share images, watch videos and update strangers around the world about their lives.
That point might trouble you, but you should actually be more concerned about the conversations your child is having with close friends or people at school. Monitoring their social media usage if down to you, especially if they are using social media under the age limit required (for example, you must be 13 to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, and 16 to use Whatsapp).
EduStaff, a website that hosts teacher vacancies in schools up and down the country, has created an informative guide on social media for parents, detailing what each, most commonly used, app is for and what you should be aware of – as well as how to keep your child safe when they use it.
It’s never been easier now for people to connect with one another and so the interactive guide attempts to break down each social media platform to inform you what each one is used for and how to alter settings – or delete the app completely, should you see fit.
So what should you be watching out for online? Well, cyber bullying is one of the biggest issues when it comes to children and social media – 95% of teens have more than likely witnessed bullying online in some shape or form.
Cyber bullying comes in all shapes and sizes, from a nasty tweet to a cruel comment on a status or something as serious as people sharing private images across instant messaging services. The most notorious platforms for this behaviour are Snapchat, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger.
It is your job to talk to your child about the danger of sending inappropriate images or messages and ensure the consequences are understood, because as soon as a message has left your phone there is no limit as to where it can be sent afterwards!
Social media is a fantastic tool. It keeps people in touch around the world, informs you of current events and introduces you to like-minded people through hashtags and communities online. However, like all things it must be treated with caution. Stay informed, take note and ensure your child stays safe online.
Brought to you by EduStaff
