Five Social Media Boundaries to Set With Your Child

Setting appropriate social media boundaries isn’t as daunting a task as it may seem. Engaging your kids in an honest discussion of what social media is and the possible risks will ensure you can establish boundaries the whole family can respect. More than that, it can help your kids develop healthy online habits that will safeguard them from making common social media mistakes that can have long term negative consequences.

Set a time and place

It’s totally reasonable to ban electronics from the dinner table so the family can enjoy each other during mealtime. Remind your child not to be on social media during school hours and limit the amount of tech-time allowed in the evenings. Make sure electronics are shut off way before bedtime to allow time to unwind.

Follow and be friends

Not only will this allow you to keep tabs on your child’s posting habits and activity, but you’ll also be able to observe the friends they’re interacting with. It also allows you to stay up-to-date on things kids are discussing and doing. Talk to your child about avoiding potentially dangerous or inappropriate activities.

Know their passwords

Being friends with your child isn’t enough. There are security features on many social media sites that allow the user to block someone from viewing certain material. If you have the passwords, you have access to all content and security features.

Model appropriate behavior

Set a good example of what appropriate social media behavior looks like. If you and your friends are posting content with cursing, suggestive images, etc., then your child will be more likely to think those practices are okay. Be a role model for online safety and self-representation.

Respect goes both ways

Always be considerate when posting online, especially when it involves someone else. Make sure you get permission before making posting a status of photo of your child or another friend before making it public. Ask they do the same for you. This practice respects privacy and personal boundaries.

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