Parents, Kids and Social Media

We are living in a society that has become dependent on online interactions

Our banking, social lives and communications are usually done online. Children are being raised surrounded by technology, and inevitably, they too become dependent on it.

Children of all ages are using devices such as iPhones and Android phones and many of them are using their phones for email, blogging, Facebook, Twitter and online gaming.

The days of diaries and teens getting a private landline in their rooms are long gone.

Fifteen years ago I’m sure mothers debated whether or not to look into their childrens’ diaries. Now, with the diary replaced by status updates, text messages and tweets, the debate is still the same:

Where is the line drawn between a child’s right to privacy and a parent’s need to know?

Of course, with the bad that there is on the internet, such as online predators, we need to do everything we can to protect our children.

So, where should the line be drawn?

Many online resources for parents suggest having your child’s cell phone and online passwords, and checking their activity often. Unfortunately using this approach may make your child feel less like they are being protected and more like you do not trust them.

Other websites suggest “friending” your child on websites such as Facebook in order to monitor their activity. The problem with this is that the social networking sites have made it very easy for your child to block content from you, which defeats the purpose of monitoring them in the first place.

Although it’s not completely a bad idea, I do have one suggestion:

Don’t embarrass your teenager with embarrassing posts, or commenting on conversations they have with their friends. Nothing will get you blocked from your child’s profile faster than embarrassing them in front of their friends. In so many ways, online social networks have become a “hang out,” and parent presence isn’t always welcomed.

When it comes to text messaging, isn’t checking your child’s phone similar to eavesdropping on a private conversation?

Many will argue that it is perfectly acceptable for a parent to read texts, private messages and monitor social networking activity. I’m sure your children would argue that they have a right to privacy and that you should trust them to come to you with anything important.

The line between protecting and snooping is a thin one.

What is your stance on this subject? What rules or solutions have you worked out with your children about social media and communication?