Social Media and Our Students

WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA?? Social Media is any device or application that allows a user to communicate with another person. Facebook and Instagram are the first items that pop into our minds but it is really much, much more Social Media is constantly around us and influencing us. Social Media is constantly changing.

PROBLEMS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA Children can communicate with and meet people outside of their parent’s sphere of influence and control. Children and adults can communicate anonymously without any accountability, removing the natural inhibition or fear of getting caught.

Social media exploits your brain’s dopamine reward pathway, which gives users the sensation of wellbeing when they receive “likes” and positive feedback which reinforces the behavior (becomes like an addiction).

WHAT TO DO?? WHAT TO DO?? EDUCATE YOURSELF TALK WITH YOUR CHILD USE PARENTAL CONTROLS SET RULES AND EXPECTATIONS ACCOUNTABILITY CREATE BALANCE

EDUCATE YOURSELF Make good decisions in your own social media use and be a good role model for your children. Learn about apps and social media platforms that your child wants to use or visit. www.commonsensemedia.org www.cybersafetycop.com

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD Discuss your safety concerns. Discuss what bad choices on internet can cause. Be open, direct and honest in your discussions. Set rules and expectations. Enforce consequences for breaking any rules.

CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY You own your child’s phone! Log into your child’s accounts! Physically check and monitor! Install a parent notification app! (WebSafety app) Charge devices in parent’s room at night!

CREATE BALANCE Parents need to maintain well-balanced routine for children Many students can develop tunnel vision toward electronics Social Media “abuse” can cause negative effects on your child Anxiety and Depression Loss of Sleep Poor Body Self-Image

These Apps are Not Safe for Kids! Tumblr Snapchat WhatsApp Fake Calculator And many others … Yik Yak Facebook Messenger You Now

These Apps Should Be Used With Caution! Always be aware of your student’s activities on line