Kids and Social Media: Let's Talk About It
Hello, all! Today I wanted to discuss the ever present pros versus cons of children utilizing social media. Before I begin, I will indulge the information that I have a son who is 12, his age falling into the social media category people argue the most about, so I do have some personal feelings and rules, aside from objective reasoning about the pros and cons.
Let's talk about pros first. There are a couple of really cool connections with middle and high school aged kids using social media. First, it allows them to connect with peers from outside their immediate realm of limited social exposure. This can be really important for kids who feel left out, alone, or different from the social circles in their schools or neighborhoods. The ability to connect with peers that share their interests is crucial for their ability to relate, connect, and social-emotional growth during this period of their lives. Secondly, the opportunity for educational resources through social media is near limitless. Connecting with teachers, and the availability of tutors and classmates that can help with strategies, assignments, research, and general questions with quick responses can be so beneficial to their learning experiences. It can also decrease frustrations resulting in a more invigorated and eager student. However, there are also some concerns.
I think number one on the con list is safety. How do we allow our children some individualism and autonomy while ensuring their Internet and social media safety? The answers are boundless, and many times people will disagree on the proper course for digital citizenship, and general safety. Personally, I have recently allowed my son to have both an Instagram and Snap Chat account. He's been relentless in his insistence in asking for permission to have access to these social media outlets for two years. I finally gave in, but he has rules. I am a follower of his, and vice versa on both accounts, and I have to approve any of his followers and people he is following. Additionally, I have decreed that his phone that holds all of his apps is up for search and seizure at any moment. I randomly check his accounts often, and he is aware that I do this. I also have a rule that only positive comments are permitted. I told him if he is going to comment on any social media account, or anything on the Internet, it has to be encouraging or positive. If he has anything negative or derogatory to say, he must refrain from commenting. If I find out he's being mean, rude, or negative, ACCESS TO EVERYTHING WILL BE DENIED. That's how I chose to deal with social media.
Another big concern for social media is bullying. As beneficial and positive as social media can be for some kids, it has the ability to be equally as destructive. Gone are the days where kids who are bullied had to deal with it only at school or social events, but are now subject to it 24/7 with the rise of social media. Also, video and Internet bullying doesn't disappear from view: it stays hidden in the shadows of cyberspace and can reappear with one click of a button. The kids who are subject to bullying on social media may be forced to relive the humiliation and pain into adulthood.
Those pros and cons barely scratched the surface of the issues surrounding middle school and high school aged kids and social media, but a conversation has to start somewhere. Some people may condemn me for my personal views, and others may praise me for my active inclusion into my son's world of social media. At the end of the day, we as adults must look at the situation from all angles, decide what's best for OUR kids and family, take proper precaution and set rules for our kids, and ultimately make our own decisions. It is up to us to teach our kids how to be positive, uplifting, and safe digital citizens on social media. Let's get to work!
Let's talk about pros first. There are a couple of really cool connections with middle and high school aged kids using social media. First, it allows them to connect with peers from outside their immediate realm of limited social exposure. This can be really important for kids who feel left out, alone, or different from the social circles in their schools or neighborhoods. The ability to connect with peers that share their interests is crucial for their ability to relate, connect, and social-emotional growth during this period of their lives. Secondly, the opportunity for educational resources through social media is near limitless. Connecting with teachers, and the availability of tutors and classmates that can help with strategies, assignments, research, and general questions with quick responses can be so beneficial to their learning experiences. It can also decrease frustrations resulting in a more invigorated and eager student. However, there are also some concerns.
I think number one on the con list is safety. How do we allow our children some individualism and autonomy while ensuring their Internet and social media safety? The answers are boundless, and many times people will disagree on the proper course for digital citizenship, and general safety. Personally, I have recently allowed my son to have both an Instagram and Snap Chat account. He's been relentless in his insistence in asking for permission to have access to these social media outlets for two years. I finally gave in, but he has rules. I am a follower of his, and vice versa on both accounts, and I have to approve any of his followers and people he is following. Additionally, I have decreed that his phone that holds all of his apps is up for search and seizure at any moment. I randomly check his accounts often, and he is aware that I do this. I also have a rule that only positive comments are permitted. I told him if he is going to comment on any social media account, or anything on the Internet, it has to be encouraging or positive. If he has anything negative or derogatory to say, he must refrain from commenting. If I find out he's being mean, rude, or negative, ACCESS TO EVERYTHING WILL BE DENIED. That's how I chose to deal with social media.
Another big concern for social media is bullying. As beneficial and positive as social media can be for some kids, it has the ability to be equally as destructive. Gone are the days where kids who are bullied had to deal with it only at school or social events, but are now subject to it 24/7 with the rise of social media. Also, video and Internet bullying doesn't disappear from view: it stays hidden in the shadows of cyberspace and can reappear with one click of a button. The kids who are subject to bullying on social media may be forced to relive the humiliation and pain into adulthood.
Those pros and cons barely scratched the surface of the issues surrounding middle school and high school aged kids and social media, but a conversation has to start somewhere. Some people may condemn me for my personal views, and others may praise me for my active inclusion into my son's world of social media. At the end of the day, we as adults must look at the situation from all angles, decide what's best for OUR kids and family, take proper precaution and set rules for our kids, and ultimately make our own decisions. It is up to us to teach our kids how to be positive, uplifting, and safe digital citizens on social media. Let's get to work!
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