Should you, or shouldn’t you? We know lots of parents come to this conundrum at some point – some earlier than others. In fact, research shows many kids are using social media before parents have spoken to them about how to use it responsibly, with 48% exposed to it by age seven*.
Whether you think now’s the time or not – and it really is up to you to decide when that is – here’s some advice for a safer start when you do let them venture into the world of likes and shares.
The Pros
Social media can help kids to:
- Stay connected with friends and family
- Volunteer or get involved with a campaign, non profit or charity
- Enhance their creativity by sharing ideas, music and art
- Meet and interact with others who share similar interests
- Communicate with educators and fellow students
The Cons
- Cyberbullying
- Oversharing
- Online predators
- Inappropriate content
- Peer pressure and low self-esteem
When is the right age to introduce them to social media?
Social platforms like Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook require users to be 13+ (16 for WhatsApp), but there’s no way for these sites and apps to verify age. You can manage accessibility with parental controls, but if your kids are interested in social media at an earlier age, it’s best to be open and discuss their motivations and whether it’s really the right time for them.
Source: Vodafone DP
