Remember when we thought Stranger Danger made sense?
We used to teach kidsnotto talk to strangers.
A stranger could hurt you!
A stranger could kidnap you!
We were a walking contradiction.
Thats why we started teaching our kids about tricky people instead.
We can think about online strangers the same way.
; Where do you live?
; What are you wearing?
; Do you want to have a private conversation?).
What age is the right age?
There is no one-size-fits-all guideline here.
But everyone in my class has a profile!
Not all apps are created equal, so before you agree to anything, you should research it.
Some apps, such asTikTokandYouTube Kids, offer different experiences for different age-ranges.
Common Sense Media gives its own reviews and age recommendations of apps and games.
In addition, both kidsandadults can review the age-appropriateness of the media, as well.
And Common Sense Media itself usually comes in with the most conservative recommendations.
My son, at 9 years old, is not yet on any social media sites.
He does, however, frequently ask me to download new games hes heard about from friends at school.
No; I discovered there may be some videos on there that you might find scary or overwhelming.
Is he happy about the nos?
Why, no, he is not.
Then, create the account together and sit with them as they navigate it for the first few times.
Be present with them in this online part of their lives.
Check out these comforting stats:
Most teens say social media has a positive effect on them.
Social media is an important avenue of creative expression.
The quality of kids online relationships has a big impact on their well-being.
You wont have the upper hand forever.
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