May Tech-Tools
Joe Walker and Claysville Elementary
Protecting Children from Social Media
The Secret Life of Kids Online
The list of online games and social media sites grow longer everyday. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of adolescents visit a social media site more than once a day, and 75% have cell phones which are often used for texting and instant messaging. The following tips, provided by parenting.com can be helpful in monitoring your child's use of technology:
Get schooled
Immerse yourself in the technology so you know how to create a profile, ‘friend’ your child, and be a part of her online life. He/She may insist that you don’t embarrass her by posting on her wall for her friends to see, for instance, but that’s okay. You still get a window into her world.
Model it
If you’re constantly on the cell or computer, your kid will want to be, too. Limit your time so you can help your child strike a balance with her own use.
Power down
Insist that family meals are device-free and set reasonable bedtimes. “Children and adolescents don’t get enough sleep as it is, so staying up half the night on line certainly doesn’t help,” says Dr. Clarke-Pearson.
Chat her up
Don’t rely exclusively on a ‘net nanny’ program to keep you up-to-date on her activity. Instead, ask who she’s texting or IM’ing lately and share some of your own social media experiences (your child just may open up about theirs).
Go public
Keep the computer centrally located (like in the family room or kitchen) so you can check on the sites your child visits and the amount of time spent there.
Be kind
Discourage meanness, gossiping and posting anything that’s untrue or potentially harmful or embarrassing. Remind your child that there’s no real privacy online—every email, text or IM leaves a digital footprint, which future employers and colleges might access.
Useful Articles on Children and Social Media
Safe Search Kids - "Safe Search Kids" is a safe search engine for kids. It also provides a "Parent's Guide to Protecting Teens from Social Media" and a list of internet safety articles.
Pew Research Center - "How Parents Monitor their Teens Digital Behavior"
CNN Parents - "How Parents Can Stop the Worst of Social Media"
Apple Support - Use Restrictions on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
Computer and Mobile Monitoring Software
My Mobile Watchdog - Quickly access text messages, contacts, call logs, locate your child, block apps and websites, and much more!
PureSight PC - PureSight multi-devise online protection system helps you to monitor your child's internet usage easily and safely.
Net Nanny - NetNanny is the #1 rated parental control software.