One of the biggest challenges that parents face these days is to handle social media addiction of their children. Many parents think that they do not have to worry about this issue until their kid reaches a certain age, typically the teenage. However, the fact is, children near the ten years of age are on some social media platform. Parents find it tricky to communicate with children about these platforms.
To address this problem many applications are available which allow you to monitor your children’s activities online. You can download the Instagram spy app from the link https://www.mspy.com/instagram-spy.html. Such apps provide an excellent way to keep a check on your children’s online actions. However, considering the importance and sensitivity of the issue, teaching good social media etiquette is vital. Here are some ways you can accomplish this complex task.
It’s never too early to start
It has been found in multiple cases that children fake their age to get a social media account. Children under the prescribed age also exist on these platforms by lying about their birth date. Even if children are not on social media they are using some other websites consuming their data. In such an environment it is important to start early. Instead of letting your child introduced to social media by friends, older siblings, etc, you should actively take part in the process. Introduce your children to social media while teaching them the rights and the wrongs.
Make a plan
Before your child dives into social media, make a plan with him/her. Discuss the purpose of joining these platforms, the kind of experience he/she expects, how and to whom to discuss anything unpleasant. This allows children to proactive define the positive experience on social media and identifies the alarming signals. It teaches them self-regulation, healthy socialization, and overall safety.
Make privacy a priority
Most social media websites and applications allow you to share pictures and videos. People share almost their entire life on these handles. This exposes them to many threats online. When children get involved in such activities it can be devastating for them. So when your child joins any social media platform, teach them about privacy settings. Also, make them understand the limit to which they should put their personal life over the Internet.
Enforce good habits
While receiving bad comments on social media can negatively affect your children, writing can also put them into great trouble. Teach your children to respect people not only in real life but online as well. Explain to them that people may have preferences or opinions which they would not relate to. But it is important not to be offensive and derogatory to anybody.
Set time limits
Children do not learn self-discipline at once. Often they lose control and spend excessive time on the Internet interacting with their online friends. Make a strict timetable to limit their online active time. You can use many apps that send notifications when this limit is exceeded.
Teach by example
Children are like a sponge. They absorb everything around them which is why it is important to practice what you preach. Set an example before them by practising positive social media habits. This will encourage them to follow you and have a pleasant and inspiring experience on social media.
