When it comes to kids and social media, how much is too much? How much is just enough to make sure they have the computer skills that will be vital for the future? The Washington Post explored these issues in "Helping your kids navigate the stormy seas of social media."
One parent said she keeps tabs on her tween sons' use of Instagram but will not allow them to use Facebook or Twitter. If you did not know, it is Facebook policy to not allow people under 13 to use the site, although some children find ways around those rules. According to the article, Gwen O'Keeffe, pediatrician and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with Facebook "because children younger than 13 are not developmentally ready for the nuances of the social interactions on those sites."
However, O'Keeffe also says that because we live in digital world, parents need to start incorporating lessons about online behavior when children start to show interest in it and compared it to teaching a child not to put a finger in a light socket. It has to become part of the basics. Children need to hear that it is important to treat people with kindness and respect in person and online because "that will prepare them for the interactions on Facebook and Twitter when they get older."
Even when your child is old enough to use social media, you still need to pay attention to what is happening with them to make sure he or she is not going overboard in time spend on social media or becoming distraught. One parent noted that there was a time when kids would have difficult interaction with peers at school but be more at ease at home; now with social media, bullying and arguments with friends spill over into their home life as well.
