Teens today (as well as adults!) spend a lot of time socializing online. A 2020 survey of 13-24 year olds indicated that the 5 most frequented social media sites are YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter, in that order. Other popular sites include Reddit, TikTok, Google+, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Vine, and Tumblr. Parents should familiarize themselves with these sites/apps, learn how they work, and talk with their kids about what they are doing online.
Smartphone technology means that the internet is
literally at our fingertips! This is both a blessing and a challenge. When your kids are ready for a Smartphone, keep the following in mind:
-Use parental controls to limit access to inappropriate content
-Set the device so that app purchases require parental approval
-Make a contract with your child listing rules you expect him or her to follow
-Be aware that in-phone apps sometimes provide access to sites you’ve blocked. Consider having children turn in their phones to you at a certain time each night.
-Know passwords and make it clear that you will be checking the phone periodically.
-Tell your kids that they will not be punished if they come to you and report that they received inappropriate content or messages—you will help them!