5 Important Questions About Children’s Use Of Social Media
New technologies permeate the lives of all families with their new possibilities, crossing the daily lives of adults and children. However, there are a number of questions you should know about children’s use of social media.
First, it is essential to pay attention to some precautions before giving your children freedom to create profiles on the networks. As we are well aware, there is no way to regulate the age of access to networks. Therefore, it is possible to find a large number of children browsing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others.
That’s exactly what makes them vulnerable to the dangers of these tools. Although the minimum age established by the relevant legislation is 14 years old, this measure is not complied with. So these 5 questions that we are going to share about children’s use of social media are very helpful.
Learn more about children’s use of social media
You may be wondering why it’s so important to learn about children’s use of social media. First, it is important for your child’s safety and physical and mental integrity. Also, remember that as a mother or father, you are responsible for your children’s participation in these virtual environments.
It is not a good thing that parents are not up to date on the benefits of the system, and the same goes for the risks and dangers it can entail. Only in this way will children be protected and will be able to enjoy these modern instruments in the best possible way.
The various sources consulted agree on the main action to be taken in these cases. It is about postponing the use of hammocks by children as much as possible. If your child already has an active profile even at a young age, then all that remains is to exercise control over the threats in this environment.
However, there are many other details you should consider before allowing children to use social media. Also, don’t forget that each platform has its characteristics and peculiarities, so you should always be alert and informed.
Everything you should know and pass on to your child
Do not open emails, direct or private messages from strangers
When creating a profile on a social network, you necessarily link an email address. Consequently, you may receive emails from strangers, many of them in other languages. The recommendation is not to open them, as they are usually spam and contain files with viruses capable of damaging your computer. Also, teach your child not to open direct or private messages from unknown people on networks. It can be very risky, so it should only happen under your supervision.
Avoid filling out online forms
Tell your child not to fill in forms with personal details, much less if they arrive by email. The child must never provide information such as address, telephone and bank details on their own.
Username and Password Security
Experts recommend using made-up nicknames or otherwise not using the full name. In this way, you would be providing information that could be used by malicious people. Also, when choosing a password, increase its complexity and security. To do this, just combine uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers. Of course, it is necessary to be able to remember the password, but without resorting to personal data such as number of documents, date of birth and such information. Never share your password as it can be used to steal your identity.
Private profiles and “admission rights”, always!
Make use of the settings so that your child’s profile is always closed. Also, teach him not to accept friend requests or follow-on requests from people outside his social circle. In other words, the objective is to allow access only to people with whom the child has regular contact. It can be very complex for a child to make this differentiation, so it is recommended that an adult always supervise their interactions.
Pay attention to information, photos and comments posted on the networks
This is the main rule in children’s use of social media: never include information that makes it possible to identify locations. Likewise, one must pay attention to the type of photos sent, as it would not be the first case of having the images used elsewhere without permission. Regarding comments, teach that, just like in real everyday life, your child should not insult or disqualify other people on the networks.
