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What are the basics my kid needs to know about social media?

Social media is a variety of tools and methods for interacting and communicating with others online. Some popular social media tools include Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, and each of these offers a different way to share information, connect with friends, or collaborate. For many users of social media, online and offline social life is one and the same and includes similar highs and lows. What's really unique about social media is how it can enable users to instantly reach a wide audience, giving kids an opportunity to magnify their lives in a way that's different from the offline experience.

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What age should my kids be before I let them use Instagram, Facebook, and other social media services?
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Teen, 13 years old written by Puddle

I'm a teenager without social media and haven't had my phone for a year. It sounds weird but it's nice. I want social media so much but my parents are always telling me that it's to dangerous. I know it isn't that dangerous and understands their concern but I feel like I need some freedom. I would suggest one thing to any parent with a teen. If they want social media then let them have it but give them restrictions on what they can do. Anyway just wanted to say this last thing. I see a lot of kids nowadays ignoring people and wondering where they went. They were constantly staring at their phone not paying attention to the other person. soon enough they will get mad because that person keeps leaving. Don't be mad at them when you are ignoring and leaving them out. I had this happen to me. I decided to go to a different table and my friends got mad at me for leaving. I told them why but they were still mad. I didn't let it get to me so don't let what I just said get to you.

Kid, 10 years old

Make sure your kids knows to be safe and not to share personal information, Like their last name, address, school, age, or birthday. First name alone is fine. Also make sure your kid knows only to be kind and not to cyberbully or be mean. Tell them that anything they post can be seen by everyone in the world and that once somethings is posted, its extremely hard to take back.

Kid, 12 years old

I'm a kid, and I'm on instagram. I think what kids have to know about these things is that people use social media to mess them up, scare them, and take advantage of them. I have seen some pretty scary people on using instagram and people trying to get me to look at their nudes. I for one, think that if your thinking of letting your kid or teen use social media, you should make sure their account is private and they understand that people try to mess them up.

Parent written by ParentalAdvice33

I think number one should always be that anyone can be behind a photo, just because there is a girl it doesn't mean it isn't some perv that creates accounts to gain your attention. Also that you never exchange personal information. Don't accept friend request from individuals that you do not know simple fact once again it can be some perv. If anyone ever makes you uncomfortable on social media mommy should be the first to know immediately, and do not post anything that you would be a shame to show your grandparents, parents, the pastor, or whatever figure in their life they set high standards to. Also you dont have to post when we will be away from home for instance (Taking vacation all this week in Paris) because not everyone have the perfect intentions so it makes our home vulnerable while were away. Just make sure they remember that social media shows the surface of your character as an individual.

Teen, 13 years old written by Puddle

I agree with everything this parent has said. It is a good Idea not to tell anyone where you are going on a vacation and how long. My dad complains a lot about how people post things on Facebook about where they are going and how long they will be gone. Everything this parent has said is completely right in my opinion.

Teen, 13 years old written by lisa langton

Don't talk to strangers, don't add mutural friends , don't tell anyone where you live, block haters, never comment personal thaughts on public photos it might back fire

Adult written by isaaclee

The basics almost everybody needs to know is be careful what you do. If you sign up for social media, you will meet different people and many people aren't who they say they are. you have many sick people out there who will do anything to meet you. Also be careful what you post due the saying, "what goes on the internet, stays on the internet." if you do want your kid to use social media, make sure you know what they are doing and be careful who take as their friend.

Teen, 13 years old written by OliRan321

I understand that the people giving answers are parents however I think it's a good idea to get some information off someone who is around the same age as lots of teens. Understand that everything and anything you put on social media is permanent. I've seen some people my age put up images they will end up regretting. When using social media you should use common sense as you do in everyday life. In my years of schooling I've found that I've been provided with an extensive amount of information on things like cyber bullying etc. Although I have not yet encountered such things I know people who have because they have done things they regret. All I can say is enjoy yourself but still be aware of certain consequences.

Parent of a 8 and 14 year old written by mommmyoftwogirls

I know other parents who check the photos their children are going to post on social media, but in my opinion that is a bit invasive. When my 14 year old daughter first created her Instagram account, I just made sure that she understood how permanent everything is. I trust her to be responsible without me looking over her shoulder, but it is important for her to make sure she isn't posting or commenting anything that she might regret in the future.

Adult written by eveellis

I thought this was invasive too, until my child was the victim of a sexual predator on Instagram. As a parent, I believe that monitoring young children's use of a new media sensibility they have no real experience with is not only our responsibility, but our duty. As children grow into adulthood they learn to master these nuances of social responsibility, but they are not born with them innately. Beware parents; it CAN and DOES happen. This is a wide world, and kids cannot fathom there would be a misrepresentation of facts sometimes in their innate naivety.

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