Social Media in the home - Responsible Parenting

Social Media is a platform that has various learning tools. Students can use it to do group studies with the assistance of various online communities. Connectivity and mobility makes it possible for students to tackle a lot of challenging aspects of their academic journey. However, smart phones from which social media is accessed can spell disaster if children are left to access it on their own. Children can share stories with their peers and educators will agree that story telling is a critical component in child development. But a story shared with the wrong audience can leave child exposed and vulnerable.

Social media can be a dangerous jungle that can inflict damage with long lasting consequences to children if not properly managed. In most if not all organisations, there are regulations on accessing social media during working hours. After hours, if one does not discipline themselves, social media can be a serious time waster. At school, children can be allowed to access academic applications and conduct research. What is accessed at school is guided and directed. Now, who is responsible for the children's activities on social media after school hours.

Responsible parenting requires that every parent be involved in their kids activities on social media. Being involved does not necessarily mean invading their privacy but giving guidance and direction on their social media activities.  Recently we had Facebook reminding us of content that they do not allow on their platform. But many times we have seen that very content appearing, even though its reported. There is a campaign currently running on Twitter against bullying. These are the dangers available to our kids at the click of a button.

Our kids will one time or the other be exposed to undesirable items on social media such as nudity, pornography, prostitution, vulgar language, bullying, gambling and addiction to games amongst other challenges. Our duty as parents is to let them know about these and how to avoiding them. As a parent, you are the child's first friend and they are bound to heed your advice. Whilst teachers and other relatives have a role to play, the bigger part belongs to the parent. In most cases, you the parent would have facilitated access to social media for your own child, and therefore you ought to practice responsible parenting when it comes to social media in your home.alson@alefinnovations.com