Welcome to our engaging session on understanding social media essentials for parents. We’re thrilled to have you with us today. I’m Sue Thotts, and alongside Merv Lapoos, Vice President of Education Outreach and Engagement, we’ll explore the world of social media that your children might be navigating.
In this workshop, we aim to familiarize you with some popular social media apps that are widely used by kids today. We’ll delve into the unique features of Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, and provide valuable tips on ensuring your child’s safety on these platforms.
Snapchat is a platform known for its ephemeral nature, where images and messages disappear after being viewed. This feature is particularly appealing to younger users. However, it’s crucial to remember that these images can still be captured through screenshots. Another aspect of Snapchat is its geolocation feature, allowing users to see each other’s locations in real-time. The app is also famous for its fun filters that can creatively alter appearances.
TikTok is a video-centric platform where users create and share short videos, often featuring dance routines, comedy sketches, and other creative content. While these videos may appear spontaneous, they often require considerable effort and time to produce. TikTok encourages creativity and expression among its users.
Instagram offers a more personal touch, allowing users to share curated posts and stories about their daily lives. Stories vanish after 24 hours, while posts remain on the user’s profile unless removed. Instagram also features direct messaging, a popular way for kids to communicate with friends. It’s vital for parents to understand and manage privacy settings to protect their children’s accounts from being entirely public.
While social media offers numerous benefits, such as staying connected and fostering creativity, it also poses risks. Exposure to inappropriate content and the influence of filters on body image are significant concerns. Open conversations with your children about these issues are essential to help them navigate social media responsibly.
Merv shares some practical advice for parents to effectively guide their children in the digital world:
We hope you found this session insightful and helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for joining us today!
Explore Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram by creating a mock profile for each platform. Analyze the features and privacy settings available. Reflect on how these settings can be adjusted to enhance safety and privacy for younger users.
Engage in a group discussion using real-life scenarios where social media impacted a young user’s life. Discuss the benefits and risks involved, and propose strategies for parents to address similar situations effectively.
Participate in a role-playing session where you act as both a parent and a child discussing social media use. Practice open communication techniques and explore ways to set boundaries and expectations collaboratively.
Conduct a hands-on workshop where you navigate through the privacy settings of each platform. Learn how to customize these settings to protect personal information and control who can view and interact with your child’s content.
Create a short video or post that highlights the positive aspects of social media while addressing potential risks. Share your content with peers and discuss the impact of creative expression on social media.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Hello everyone, welcome to today’s session on social media basics for parents. Thank you for joining us. We are recording this session this morning, and I am joined by Merv. Would you like to introduce yourself?
Hey everyone, my name is Merv Lapoos. I’m the Vice President of Education Outreach and Engagement, and I am excited to be here to share some thoughts on social media for parents.
I’m Sue Thotts, and today we will be sharing a little bit about who we are and what we do at Common Sense as it relates to social media basics.
In this workshop, we will introduce some of the social media apps that your kids might be using, and we will share some key differences between Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. We will also provide tips on how to keep your kids safe on these platforms.
Many of us use social media to stay connected with each other, whether we’re kids or adults. One of the platforms we will discuss is Snapchat. One of its features is that images sent through Snapchat are temporary and disappear after being viewed, which can be appealing to kids. However, it’s important to note that these images can still be screenshotted or saved.
Another feature of Snapchat is geolocation, which allows kids to find each other on a map in real-time. Many users enjoy the fun filters available on the app, which can alter their appearance in playful ways.
Moving on to TikTok, this is a video-based platform where users create and share short videos, often under three minutes. These videos can include dancing, comedy sketches, and various creative projects. It’s worth noting that while these videos may seem spontaneous, they often require significant time and effort to produce.
Instagram, on the other hand, is more personal and allows users to share curated posts and stories about their daily lives. Stories disappear after 24 hours, while posts remain on a user’s profile unless deleted.
Direct messaging is also a key feature of Instagram, where kids often communicate with their friends. It’s important for parents to be aware of privacy settings on these platforms to ensure that their children’s accounts are not completely public.
While social media can have its benefits, there are also risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content and the impact of filters on body image. It’s essential to have open conversations with kids about these issues.
Merv has some practical tips for parents on how to navigate social media with their children.
1. Understand and validate your child’s interests in social media.
2. Remind them that social media feeds are curated and may not reflect reality.
3. Set clear expectations for social media use.
4. Encourage connections over curation, focusing on friendships and real-life interactions.
Thank you, Merv, for those insights. If anyone has questions, feel free to put them in the chat or Q&A.
We appreciate your participation today, and we hope you found this session helpful. If you have further questions, we are here to assist you.
Thank you for joining us!
Social Media – Digital platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and each other. – Social media has become a crucial tool for organizations to engage with their audience and disseminate information effectively.
Parents – Individuals who are responsible for raising and caring for children, often playing a significant role in their social and emotional development. – Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children to ensure they navigate digital spaces responsibly.
Platforms – Online services or sites that provide a base for users to interact, share content, and engage in various activities. – Educational platforms have revolutionized the way students access learning materials and collaborate with peers.
Safety – The condition of being protected from harm or other non-desirable outcomes, especially in digital environments. – Implementing strong cybersecurity measures is essential for ensuring the safety of sensitive information online.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; often encouraged in educational settings to foster innovation. – Encouraging creativity in the classroom can lead to more engaged and motivated students.
Risks – The potential for encountering harm or loss, often considered in the context of decision-making and policy development. – Understanding the risks associated with data sharing is crucial for maintaining privacy and security.
Privacy – The right of individuals to keep their personal information secure and free from unauthorized access. – Organizations must prioritize user privacy to build trust and comply with legal regulations.
Content – Information, ideas, or experiences that are shared through various media, including text, images, and videos. – The quality of educational content available online can significantly impact student learning outcomes.
Communication – The process of exchanging information and ideas through various channels, essential for collaboration and understanding. – Effective communication skills are vital for professionals to succeed in diverse and dynamic work environments.
Friendships – Social connections between individuals that provide emotional support and companionship. – Building strong friendships can enhance mental health and provide a support network in challenging times.
