Category: Social Media Safety

Thanks to social media, sharing life with others is just a click away. Yet, it’s vital to pause and reflect, especially when it involves pictures of your children. Yes, those adorable baby smiles or innocent fun moments are tempting to share, but have you considered the implications?

Usually, our focus is on teaching kids the basics of social media safety.  But it’s easy to forget that this powerful tool is ours to handle responsibly as well.  This guide will walk you through essential considerations before posting your little one’s pictures on social media.  Let’s delve into multiple aspects that will help you make informed decisions.

10 Things to Consider Before Sharing Pictures of Your Child

Your children are their own people, and they deserve to have a say over whether or not pictures of themselves can be posted on social media. After all, everything on the internet is permanent.

1. Sharing Could Have Long-Term Effects on Your Children

Think carefully about potential future repercussions before sharing your child’s images online. You never know how shared content might evolve in decades to come. In the digital era, these pictures will remain online indefinitely, potentially impacting their personal and professional life.

2. Blur the Background to Hide Other People’s Kids

A lot of parents may not know this, but it’s actually legal to share pictures of other people’s children online without their parents or child’s consent. To be safe, you should use background blurring techniques to ensure that only your own children are visible in your photograph.

3. Never Share Anything That Could be Considered Embarrassing

Keep in mind that what might appear cute to you now could be embarrassing for your child in the future. Simple images like bath time or tantrum moments can cause unease years later. By being considerate and cautious, you can help protect your child’s online persona.

4. Consider How Sharing Photos Could Warp Their View of Online Safety

Regularly sharing photos of your child online could impact their understanding of privacy and online safety. It may indicate to them that it’s normal to disclose personal information. Teach them prudent sharing habits by setting a good example with your own social media behavior.

5. Don’t Share any Personal Information or Suggestive Photos

Avoid sharing any pictures that disclose personal information or feature your child unclothed, even if partially. Besides infringing on their privacy, such images can easily fall into the wrong hands or be used maliciously. The internet is a useful tool, but it’s crucial to tread cautiously for your child’s safety.

6. Avoid Revealing Locations and Typical Routines

Photo by Piron Guillaume

Be cautious when it comes to revealing locations and habitual routines in pictures. Geotagged photos or posts detailing your child’s school or park can serve as a roadmap to their daily life. Minimize risk by keeping such details offline, thereby strengthening your family’s safety.

7. Children May Not Know How to or Can’t Properly Give Consent

Unless you appropriately teach your children how permanent the internet is, it’s difficult or impossible for children to give consent. This is especially true if they’re young. And if you post photos of your child online without their consent, it could cause them to develop trust issues.

8. Beware of the Potential Backlash from Other Parents

There are plenty of parents who don’t like the idea of other people sharing their own children online, primarily for the reasons stated in this article. If you’re going to post pictures of your kids on social media, just be prepared for a potential backlash from other parents or groups.

9. Up Your Privacy Settings on Social Media

Leverage privacy settings offered by social media platforms to control who sees your posts. By reviewing and adjusting these settings, you can limit content visibility to trusted, selected individuals. This isn’t foolproof, but it creates an additional layer of safety for your images.

10. Consider Using More Private Social Networks

Instead of widely used platforms, consider sharing your child’s milestones on smaller, more private networks. There are family-friendly apps that prioritize privacy and offer better control over who sees the content. Selecting the right platform is a crucial step toward safer sharing.

In Conclusion…

The joy of sharing your child’s precious moments online comes with its own set of responsibilities. It’s essential to navigate this digital landscape cautiously for your little one’s safety. Remember, you are the first line of defense in protecting their digital footprint.

As the world continues to evolve into a more digital society, the idea of what it means to be a responsible digital citizen has come to the forefront. Many people agree that some of the same laws and societal norms that we use to regulate how we interact with one another in the material world should somehow be shaped to be applied to the digital landscape.

It is important to have a standard code of conduct for how we behave when we are online to ensure the safety of everyone participating in the digital world, whether it be for education, work, or social purposes.

But what does it mean to be a digital citizen, and when exactly should we introduce and teach its ideals?

What would a middle school curriculum look like that taught digital citizenship, cyber security, and social media safety?

Let’s take a closer look at what digital citizenship means as well as the many ways educators have been tackling this topic to better prepare students for online life.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is the ability of individuals to recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living in a digital world, while at the same time, acknowledging that the words they say, and the actions they take online, are recorded into a permanent record that will follow them for the rest of their lives. It is because of this permanence that children and adolescents need to be taught what it means to be a responsible digital citizen from an early age.

The Foundations of Good Digital Citizenship

In short, being a good digital citizen requires individuals to conduct themselves in the digital space in a way that is safe, legal, and ethical, while at the same time, operating within a basic level of morality. Although morality is somewhat subjective, there are still basic norms that people follow in the material world that should apply to the digital world.

The Consequences of Poor Digital Citizenship

Far too many times when we see instances of cyberbullying or online harassment, the perpetrator feels that because they are hiding behind a screen, they are free to act and say things that they may not do or say when in the real world and face-to-face with the victim. A large part of being a good digital citizen is understanding that there really is no difference between your online persona and who you are in the material world.

The Role of Parents and Educators in Promoting Digital Citizenship

So, although parents and educators can take steps to educate our youth and help them to become responsible digital citizens, what about other people? What about bad actors who may not adhere to responsible digital citizenship, and instead, use the digital world to victimize people?

By far, the largest space that our youth occupy in the digital world is social media. As an educator or parent, it is critical to understand that social media safety is a fundamental part of teaching digital citizenship. Many of the best private schools have recognized this and are leading the way by incorporating comprehensive digital citizenship programs into their curricula.

Adolescents and teenagers who use social media on a regular basis are at a higher risk of online threats such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predation. Not only that, but most younger internet users may also lack basic cybersecurity knowledge which can leave them more vulnerable to phishing, ransomware, and other more general cyber threats.

Integrating Digital Citizenship into Education

Fortunately, more school districts across the country are starting to add digital citizenship curriculum in middle school classrooms across the country. Middle school seems to be the ideal time in an adolescent’s life to prepare them for the digital landscape as this is the time in their life when internet use begins to increase greatly for everything from online classes and homework support to messaging peers and social media use.

So, now that educators have had some practice and experience implementing these new types of digital citizen curriculum into the classroom, what seems to be working and what are the most critical components to include?

Let’s take a closer look at what educators are finding to be some of the most critical components of a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum.

Key Components of a Digital Citizenship Curriculum

In addition to some basic cybersecurity education, because teenagers spend a good amount of their time in the digital world using social media platforms, developing a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum requires a strong focus on the risks associated with social media use to ensure social media safety for kids.

Also, keep in mind that when broaching the topics of cybersecurity and digital citizenship with younger learners, it is important to make sure you are finding and using engaging methods to teach these topics. There are a number of incredible resources available online to help educators and parents find materials to teach about cybersecurity and social media safety.

Here are some of the most critical components that should be included in a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are by far the most important topics to cover when discussing cybersecurity basics. The first thing that students should know is how to set their social media accounts private and the importance of disabling location sharing and the risks of geo-tagging photos. Online predators and scammers can use location data to stalk or learn more about the people they are targeting.

Another important aspect of privacy to discuss with students is the importance of not oversharing personal information on social media or to unsolicited messages. Information like addresses, legal names, online passwords, birthdays, social security numbers, and more, if posted online or sent in a message, can be used for a number of malicious purposes including identity theft.

When it comes to security, a basic overview of cybersecurity fundamentals is essential. Topics like how to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading harmful software, how to install and use antivirus programs, and what to do in the event of a cyber attack, are good places to start. The depth and technicality of the subjects you cover will depend on the age group, however, everyone should have a solid foundation of the basics of being safe online.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious problem that many teens do not think about because they do not yet participate in the credit economy. However, students should have a basic understanding of how cybercriminals can use personal information that is shared online to open accounts in their name and destroy their credit or financial life before it even begins. Additionally, the advantage of a digital signature over an e-signature for signing important legal and financial documents is another basic understanding to have to help prevent identity theft and other types of fraud.

Relationships and Communication

Another focus of a digital citizenship curriculum should be relationships and communication. How we communicate online with one another is important to developing and maintaining relationships through digital communication. Assuring tone, inflection, and meaning are not misconstrued through email, texts, and other forms of digital communication will be an ongoing skill that students will work on and develop throughout their education and beyond.

Cyberbullying and Digital drama

It’s well known that Cyberbullying has become a serious problem that many schools are dealing with on a regular basis. It’s not only an abundant issue with more than 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 reporting being bullied online, but the consequences can be destructive.

Young people who experience cyberbullying are at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors than those who don’t. Teaching students how to recognize cyberbullying and what to do if they experience or observe it is a fundamental part of an impactful digital citizenship curriculum in combination with strict zero-tolerance policies.

Digital Footprints and Reputation

Another key aspect of digital citizenship is understanding that everything posted online is permanent. Even if you delete messages or posts, there is still a digital record of all communications. Also, your digital footprint is directly correlated with your reputation. Anything you post online about yourself and what you are doing or anything you post about others including comments, pictures, and other forms of content, can resurface years later and harm your reputation.

All students should understand that their digital footprint can have consequences down the road that they could never have imagined, especially if they participate in cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.

Creative Credit, Copyright, and Plagiarism

Creative credit, copyright, and plagiarism are topics that have come into focus in recent years, especially with the development of AI programs like ChatGPT. Students should understand the basics of why it is important to give creative credit to originators, what copyright is and how it works, as well as how plagiarism is fundamentally wrong, even as society is introducing the use of AI into more arenas.

Conclusion

As more and more young people are getting online at earlier ages, many would argue that from as early as kindergarten, we should at least be introduced to some ideas of digital citizenship. Then, once students start reaching the age of middle school and they are preparing to be more active online, schools should introduce curricula to help students navigate the digital world in a way that is safe and constructive.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Social media has become an integral part of our lives and it’s no surprise that children are exposed, too. Major platforms like Facebook and Instagram capture children’s attention, inundating them with content and overstimulating sights and sounds. With that, it shapes their social interaction and daily routine.

The Impact of Toxic Stress on Brain Development

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations. When experienced chronically, it can harm children’s brain development. The developing brain is susceptible to stress and prolonged exposure to various stressors can disrupt normal functioning and growth.

Chronic stress negatively affects cognitive abilities and emotional well-being in children. Toxic stress has a lasting impact on brain development and function. The possible changes to a child’s brain might lead to anxiety, addiction and depression.

Another study published in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders found that early life stress can lead to changes in the structure of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. These changes also make someone engage in risky behaviors and addiction.

The Connection Between Social Media And Children’s Brain Development

Social media exposes children to vast amounts of information, social interactions and stimuli that can shape their cognitive and emotional development. Excessive screen time and social media usage can negatively impact children’s mental and emotional development.

The constant exposure to screens and digital work may contribute to attention difficulties, reduced focus and impaired cognitive abilities. Moreover, social media’s curated and filtered nature can distort children’s perception of reality and affect their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a significant association between increased screen time and lower scores on developmental screen tests in toddlers. The results have indicated that children aged 24 to 36 months with higher screen time levels exhibited lower performance on a screening measure that evaluates their achievement of developmental milestones at 36 and 60 months.

Emotional and Social Effects of Social Media on Children

Social media can significantly influence children’s self-esteem, body image and social interactions. The constant exposure to carefully curated posts and images on social media platforms can create unrealistic standards of beauty and success, leading to negative self-comparison and diminished self-esteem. Moreover, the pressure to fit in and gain social validation online can affect the children’s sense of identity and belonging.

There are potential risks of social media. The dangers include addiction, cyber, exposure to harmful content, privacy concerns, mental health problems, sleep problems, eating disorders, reduced academic performance and reduced social interaction.

Cyberbullying and online peer pressure are prevalent. Social media allows people to be anonymous, which can encourage hurtful behaviors that lead to cyberbullying. The fear of missing out and the desire to conform to social norms online also contribute to peer pressure, where children may feel compelled to engage in behaviors they may not be comfortable with in order to fit in.

Many U.S. teens have experienced cyberbullying or witnessed others being bullied online. Common forms include mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors and being excluded from online groups. These findings emphasize the need to address social media’s emotional and social consequences.

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Social Media Use

Check out these steps for encouraging healthier and better social media usage among children:

• Set limits: Establish clear boundaries regarding how much time children can spend on social media. Be more proactive in determining which sites are good for them and which aren’t.
• Take breaks: Teach your children to be self-aware about their emotions. If they’re already feeling anxious or frustrated, it’s better to take a step away from using the gadget and walk around for a bit. Spending time in nature is shown to help relieve stress, so be sure to encourage outdoor activity.
• Be a role model: Make sure you show your kids healthy social media habits by being intentional about how you use them. Maybe that means not ranting on social media or not comparing yourself with what you see. It also means spending just the right amount of time.

Social Media Is Already Here

Social media offers numerous benefits, but it can also be harmful — especially if children are left unguided. Chronic stress, exacerbated by excessive social media use, can lead to cognitive difficulties and emotional challenges. It’s essential to have good strategies in place and find the perfect balance in using these tools.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

You have less to worry about regarding your kids’ safety on Instagram! The platform has launched some features that let parents have control over their children’s Instagram activities. In this article, we’re going to introduce Instagram Sensitive Content and Family Center to help you keep an eye on your children when using Instagram.

Threats of Instagram for Children

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media accounts, especially among youngsters. Around 10 percent of Instagram users are less than 17 years old. Despite all the interesting features of the platform, it has it’s dangers. This may be improving with the roll out of Instagram’s teen accounts.

Let’s list the threats that may harm your children on Instagram:

Cyberbullying

Although Instagram has no tolerance for bullies, there are still accounts that do cyber bullying. Kids are the most vulnerable group when it comes to cyber bullies.

Hate speech

Many accounts spread hate toward religions or races and you need to prevent your children from following these accounts.

Personal information release

Sometimes kids don’t know that they’re releasing personal information during their Instagram activities.

Sexual seduction

Unfortunately, many accounts on Instagram try to seduce your kids to have a relationship with them. Remember that there are many complaints about Instagram influencers in this regard.

Inappropriate content

Instagram’s limit on pornographic content is not enough and there is still lots of inappropriate content for kids and teens.

Instagram Sensitive Content Control

Instagram’s terms of policy don’t allow any content that might be harmful to people. For example, hate speech, cyberbullying, or similar content are categorized as sensitive content on Instagram. Also, Instagram has launched another feature, called Sensitive Content Control, that allows you to put more filters on Instagram content.

This is great news for parents because many Instagram posts and stories are not banned by Instagram, but they’re inappropriate for kids.

So you can easily let your kids know that they’re allowed to use Instagram as long as you limit content that is upsetting or offensive.

Here is how you can use Instagram Sensitive Content Control:

• Open the Instagram app on your kid’s phone.
• Go to his/her profile.
• Tap the three-line icon (a.k.a hamburger.) You can see it at the top right.
• Choose Settings and Privacy.
• Under “What you see,” choose “Sensitive content.”
• Choose a suitable option from the three options available;

1. More
2. Standard
3. Less

The last option is suitable for kids because it puts the most restricted filter on the content they can see on Instagram.

Instagram Family Center: Parental Supervision

Although the Sensitive content feature on Instagram is helpful, it won’t ensure your kid’s safety. Fortunately, there is another feature on the platform that lets you have more control over your kid.

Instagram Family Center provides supervision features to allow you to have an extra pair of eyes on your children’s IG activities.

It lets you track the time they use Instagram and reduce their screen time. Also, you can be notified of their following and prevent them from following suspicious accounts.

To do that, follow the guide below:

1. Open your own Instagram account
2. Go to your profile
3. Tap the hamburger icon
4. Choose Settings and privacy
5. Scroll down and choose Supervision under “For families”

Family Center appears. Now, you have to invite your kid:

1. Tap “Invite your teen
2. Choose one of the options: “Find your teen on Instagram” or “Send your teen a link”
3. Now, your kid has to accept the invitation.

When he accepts the invitation, you’ll gain access to his/her account.

Other Instagram Safety Tips for Parents

Here are some extra tips for parents to make sure about their kids’ safety on Instagram:

Screen time limit

Try to define a daily time limit so that they avoid spending too much time on the platform. Remember that social media can cause damage to their health and also their educational performance.

Check their followers

You need to know who they’re following or who has followed them. This way, you can spot suspicious accounts and take suitable measures.

Check their account’s Settings

You need to check their accounts so that they don’t change sensitive content or other settings.

Teach them how to set a powerful password

You need to know that Instagram accounts can easily be hacked. So you have to teach your kids to set strong passwords to save their Instagram profiles from hackers.

Keep their accounts Private

As you know, all users can see the content of public accounts. So you have to switch your kid’s account into a private one to avoid releasing personal information.

Install third-party parental control apps if needed

If you think that your teen doesn’t care about your warnings, you can install a third-party parental control app to control their Instagram activities. Using these apps, you can keep track of all their activities and even record their IG calls. Some of these apps let you remotely block the app on their cell phones. Tracking suspicious keywords on their account is also a great service these apps offer.

Final Words

Many children ask their parents to let them have an account on Instagram. Unfortunately, some of them watch inappropriate pictures and videos on Instagram or use the platform for sexting. So the wisest course of action is to have parental control over their activities on Instagram. Threads is another app under the umbrella of Instagram to be aware of.  With any social media app, kids need to accept your supervision invitation so that you can see their activities. If you see that your teen resists, you should work to agree on monitoring tools that restrict activities.