More and more children and adolescents see computers, smart phones, and iPads as an essential part of life. Parents should be aware of what their child is doing on these devices – and more specifically, how their child is using social media on these devices. http://familyfirstpeds.com/

3.  Parents should be aware of what their
child is doing on these devices – and
more specifically, how their child is
using social media on these devices.

6.  So, what should parents keep in mind
when it comes to keeping their child safe
on these platforms? Here are a few tips
and guidelines for parents to follow:

9.  Figure out how to set up a profile. Knowing
exactly how a popular social networking
site works gives you an advantage. It will
help you determine which precautionary
steps to take in order to keep your child
away from danger. It will also allow you to
be a part of your child’s online life.

11.  Check your child’s privacy settings to
restrict access and postings. Show your
child how to use these settings, and
explain what type of personal
information should not be shared online.

13.  Adolescent children on social
networking sites are very susceptible to
inappropriate advertising or websites by
clicking on links. Monitor your child and
establish clear guidelines, including how
long they are allowed to be on certain
sites.

15.  Keep the computer centrally located in
the family room or the kitchen. It’s much
easier to monitor your child’s online
activity when the computer is located in
a high-traffic zone, than if your child is
using a computer in the privacy of their
own room.

17.  Much like the idea of keeping your
computer centrally located, restrict your
child’s use of smart phones to avoid
distractions. Remind them not to check
their social media profiles during family
time.

19.  Cyber-bullying is a harmful trend among
young children on social networking
sites. Children are not mature enough to
handle the effects of disparaging
comments online. Discourage your child
from gossiping and posting anything
that’s untrue or potentially harmful.

21.  Insist on device-free rules and encourage
communication outside of social
networking sites. Set aside a time during the
evening to power down all electronics. Use
dinnertime to discuss not only what’s going
on in your child’s life, but also their
experiences on social media.