Social Media Introductions and Making Boundaries with your Kids.

 Social Media Introductions and Making Boundaries with your Kids. 

    Social Media has allowed us to make connections around the world! However because tons of people have access to it makes it both beautiful, chaotic and scary. Schools always try to aim for their culture's in the building to be a safe place for learning. But, what about online? Schools have control of some aspects of social media and how their computers are used but, keep in mind it's not everything. Social media can span from tumblr, tik-tok, instagram, twitter and Facebook. Even Email. Having healthy boundaries around social media can be a really good thing! What's important within this is to make sure that you and your kinds understand what exactly healthy boundaries look like? Privacy settings, Friends, DM's and what's okay to share with the world and whats not.

    For example, in tumblr you can allow people to ask anonymous questions and comments. Given the amount of following or passing along usernames to school peers ;this can turn into cyberbullying pretty quickly as you might be able to see. No name so no attached responsibilities or consequences. 

Fortunately, you can turn off this ability within settings. But, it's a good example of how people can hide behind an anonymous username. The old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but, words can never hurt me" Doesn't apply here. Protect yourself and kids. 

Other boundaries to consider making...

• ~ Only accept followers who you know in real life and trust. anyone else's friend requests get deleted or ignored. 
• ~ Time limits on social media apps. don't scroll the day away!
• ~ Remember that the # of follows is just a popularity hype. If you really needed help who would you actually call on? 5 very close friends is better than having a ton of followers. 
• ~ Age appropriate restrictions *These social media apps are made by adults for adults with ADULT CONTENT* (that's why there are age limits!)
• not just in the movie rating way but, the language and inner context too. Especially in the subtle ways kids might not even think about. It might not just be a "cute tik-tok dance."
• Also it's important to talk to kids about online predators too.
• Even Negativity and news articles during uncertain times isn't for children. 

Sources:

https://www.communityreachcenter.org/blog/social-media-and-mental-health-tips-on-setting-boundaries/

https://familyapp.com/social-media-children-boundaries/