Social Media and Parenting Joshua Myers, M.A. (Almost Ph.D.!!!!!), LPC The Timothy Center (512) ext. 2

Social Media Defined Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking

Psychology of Social Media We are created to be in relationship (Genesis 1:27; 2:18) Connecting people and cultivating relationship Can connect: marriages, charities, churches You can encourage, equip and worship through social media However, the curse of human sin causes a perversion of social media

Psychology of Social Media Reasons for Secret Social Media (i.e. Whisper and Secret) ◦Parents are on FB ◦Consequences to public confession  Danger tied to reputation and image ◦FB is fake – kids seek transparency and genuineness ◦We tend to talk when we feel protected ◦Liberation from real life ◦Shame, regret, etc – done in darkness DANGER ◦Cyberbullying ◦Ephesians 5:8-11

Dangerous Apps Whisper – geographically sensitive “confessional” app ◦Great tool for ill-intentioned strangers to connect with young people through messaging with people close to your location YikYak – location-aware microblog ◦Anonymously slander teachers, staff and other students Kik – non-logged texting service ◦Easily connect with unapproved people / sext Snapchat – “disappearing” photo sharing ◦Sext without consequences

Dangerous Apps Vine – video sharing ◦Porn easily accessible; predators can utilize app to search for teens and find their location ChatRoulette and Omegle – randomized video chat service ◦Strangers can use fake webcam software to convince children to send inappropriate pics or get information about location Tinder – personal photo sharing / dating service ◦Used for hooking up Poof – app hiding service ◦Keeping apps you wouldn’t approve of away from you

Important Apps to Know Twitter – microblog ◦Updates immediately, promotional tool for celebs Instagram – photo sharing ◦Mature content can slip in, can private message (default- public), “likes” can contribute to self-worth Tumblr – streaming scrapbook ◦Porn easy to find, posts are copied and shared, privacy hard to guard Google+ - social network ◦Can limit parents by using circles, data tracking and targeting

Important Apps to Know Ooovoo and WhatsApp – free video, voice and messaging ◦It can be distracting, unlimited texting Ask.fm – anonymous Q/A platform ◦Bullying Wanelo – fashion/shopping social network ◦Mature clothing, brand names prominent, if you like it you can buy it

Pathological Use Look for patterns ◦Use that pulls him away from relationships ◦Use that lowers her level of functioning academically ◦Use that creates behavioral issues within the home ◦Use that contributes to thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Parental Involvement Not as easy as just saying “no” Monitor, monitor, monitor ◦A child’s safety is more important than their privacy Continued dialogue “Family Media Rules” ◦Time limitation ◦Permission to download apps Get to know their online friends Have a common charging area

Parental Involvement Solid marriage, stable family, better teen decisions Understand your limitation, and God’s omnipotence When child is grown, cut the umbilical cord

Questions for Your Teen What kinds of things would you post anonymously? Why? Why do you want to send pictures that disappear? Would you be okay with anyone seeing that pic? Why tell your secrets to a stranger? Do strangers care? Is it safe to accept a strangers help?

Questions Teens Should Be Asking Am I safe with this app? Am I encouraging others or tearing them down? Am I being bullied? Am I putting too much information about myself? Does this app bring God glory?

Resources Iparent.tv ◦Subscription-based website for teaching and informing parents on all things tech, mobile, devices, websites, and apps. Netsmartz.org ◦Educational resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Schryver, Kelly. 15 sites and apps kids are heading to beyond facebook. Retrieved from Alarez, Felicia. 9 most dangerous apps for kids. Retrieved from

Questions In what ways can I improve my communication with my teens? What is a rule that my family must start to implement now? In what ways am I living a fear-filled life and not experiencing God’s peace when it comes to my children and social media? What aspects of my life do I need to change to assist my teen in glorifying God with their social media use?