What Parents Need to Know About Social Media

What Parents Need to Know About Social Media

When you became a parent, you wanted to raise your child to the best of your ability. You thought about teaching them good manners, healthy habits, and how to take care of themselves, but social media may have never crossed your mind. This guide explains what parents need to know about social media and how it can affect their child’s life. The repercussions could start now or wait until later when your kids have all moved out of your home. We hope that you find this What Parents Need to Know About Social Media post valuable. 

What Parents Need to Know About Social Media

In-App Purchases Are Everywhere

People created social media profiles to connect with loved ones and keep people updated on their lives. That instant connection was very appealing to business owners, who sought new ways to reach consumers without anyone heading to the mall. Kids can buy merchandise from major retailers and independent artists through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping. There might be a link in someone’s story or underneath a picture of their latest restock.

Many parents find surprising charges on their cards because kids spend money on their apps without considering the financial repercussions. Talk with your children about what features they shouldn’t access to prevent them from spending money on the first post that catches their eye.

Cyberbullying Starts Young

Traditional bullies still harass other kids at school, but social media means the bullying can follow your children home. Recent research found that 37% of kids between 12 and 17 experience cyberbullying through comments or rumors that exist solely online. It could trigger early cases of depression or anxiety. Parents should keep an eye on their child’s behavior once they’re on social media and open safe conversations if they suspect any possibility of cyberbullying.

Location Tracking Occurs Often

Smartphones have GPS location features so users can utilize map apps or order meal deliveries to their precise location. Sometimes apps will track your location without your knowledge and publicly tag that location if your child posts on social media. Check the permission settings in each social media app that your kids can access to ensure their privacy.

Posts May Affect Divorces  

Divorce happens for numerous reasons, but what your kids put on social media could affect you in family court. Lawyers and judges can find pictures or tweets to prove someone’s parental capabilities or integrity. It can also become a problem between spouses if someone uses it to ignore or hurt their partner. Setting social media accounts to private and communicating about your use will help you navigate these tricky waters. They’re two possibilities parents often forget about until it’s too late.

Content Could Reveal Passwords

Hackers frequently check social media accounts for their victims before doing anything. A young kid or teen might snap a photo with your street sign in it or tweet about your dog going to the vet. All of these things have information that people use as their passwords. Keep that in mind when monitoring what your kids post and how much personal information they want to reveal.

Predators Could Track Kids Down

Another thing that parents need to know about social media is that predators use it to their advantage. They’ll look for pictures taken in front of your house, where your child goes to school, and which community groups they join. It all reveals where they might find potential victims and when they’ll be there. It’s wise never to share photos with these specific details to maximize your child’s safety and privacy.

Colleges Look at Social Media

Guidance counselors may have conflicting advice about how social media impacts a student’s chances of getting into college, but research makes it clear — 36% of admissions officers check an applicant’s social media posts while considering them for a spot at their university. They want to see if the application matches the person’s everyday character and life. Speak with your kids about this when they become teenagers. If they get into a habit of posting things that won’t reflect poorly on them during college admissions, they’ll become much more responsible online.

Posts Could Change Job Possibilities 

Recruiters often scout social media accounts before or after meeting with candidates. Some posts about their private lives can say much more about their true character than any interview answer. Teens who tweet about not caring to do school work, wishing they didn’t have to go to their part-time job and even bragging about procrastinating on a project that got a good grade reveals what kind of character they’ll bring to the office. They should always make sure that each post represents their integrity or make their accounts private.

What Parents Need to Know About Social Media

The internet affects every part of your children’s lives. These are just a few things parents need to know about social media and how it relates to young kids, teens, and college students. Start honest conversations and set up parental controls whenever necessary to protect their privacy and give them the best chance at a happy life outside of their electronics. We hope that you found this What Parents Need to Know About Social Media post valuable. Good luck!