SOCIAL MEDIA YOUTH AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Youth and Social Media

by Melody Klink

Currently, 3.8 billion of us access social media every single day. Whaaat?!

Social media is quite simply any digital tool that allows its users to create and share content, including thoughts and ideas, with members of the public who often share interests. Social media has literally transformed the way we live with the ability to share opinions, photos, and events in real time, and to do so relatively uncensored.

When is Early too Early?

Why wouldn’t kids want a glimpse into the possibilities social media can provide? Social media can be a huge part of a youth’s creative and social life. It can allow them to connect and stay connected with each other, maintain friendships, share interests, and even explore their identity. In addition to the benefits of social media also come valid concerns and consequences, too. So, when is it too early for kids to have social media?

This can be a tricky question; social media can present a new set of challenges for adolescents. The legal age requirement for most social media platforms is 13, however determining if your child is ready for social media can often, and should, pose a lot more questions than just chronological age. It is especially important that kids have adequate social and emotional skills to cope with the demands that social media can bring. Start the Conversation

As a mother of two young daughters as well as an avid user of social media personally and professionally, I fully intend to start the conversation around social media early. I encounter and often discuss a variety of topics with youth in my line of work, and I have realized that even if kids are not on social media, kids are online from an early age and use many different websites. Kids are being informed about social media apps from their friends, peers, older siblings, or influencers, but not from their parents. I feel it is important to take an active role in encouraging conversations early. Ask questions to identify why they want to join social media, ask what both a positive and a negative online experience might look like to them, discuss appropriate avenues they could or would turn to if a situation feels compromised, uncomfortable or unsafe. Inform your child that what is shared on the internet is never private. Prompt them to be mindful of how they interact with others and how they can positively represent themselves in a public forum.

I also believe it is vitally important for kids to know that the things that are either said or happen online affect how individuals feel offline. I believe it’s important for them to take that into consideration with the actions that they take online. Encourage them to understand accountability and being (potentially in part) accountable for how someone may feel.

Ever Changing Platforms

Social media platforms are always growing and forever changing. It is important to make yourself familiar with any platform your child may be using regularly. Be sure to monitor their behavior and presence online, ensure they understand the possible risks and the benefits of social media.

As parents and role models, let us ensure that we practice positive social media interactions as we are assisting our children to foster responsible, rewarding and often inspiring social media interactions as well. Lead by example, this may include limiting our own time spent on social media and online.

A Source of Great Resources

There are a great deal of excellent resources available for educating parents regarding what to consider before sitting down to talk to your child about the pros and cons of being on social media, expanding on areas to consider as you decide if your child is ready for online interaction and all that it encompasses. There are also great resources available for kids, too. Joe’s Social Media is a phenomenal local resource, a social media agency based in Lacombe, Alberta that speaks to kids about social media and mental health.

Knowledge gives us the power to make good decisions. Most importantly, feeling confident in the choices that we make helps us make the best and safest decisions for us and those that we love.

Melody is a wife, mother of two daughters, and the creator of Inspiring Virtues, housing a variety of supportive and educational workshops, programs and services for youth, individuals and families.