Social Media Overview

Welcome to Let’s Talk Tech. My name is Ray Cannon and I am the Tech Integrationist at New Code Academy, grades K-8.

Welcome to Tech Talk! In our last video, I discussed some of the issues regarding Internet Safety and Social Media.  For the next few weeks, I would like to take the opportunity to talk about social media and the individual social media platforms more broadly.  Anything we can do to help our students understand, navigate, and make good decisions regarding social media will benefit them now, and for the rest of their lives.

While adults may be accustomed to navigating social media platforms and have some understanding of its consequences, children are still developing their judgment and reasoning skills. As a result, children are susceptible to the dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content.

As a parent, it's helpful to understand the impact of social media on your child's mental health and well-being. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Age restrictions: Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, younger children may still access social media with parental supervision, meaning parents should monitor their child's online activity to ensure their safety and protect their privacy. Some parents even choose to follow their child’s account as a reminder that what they post online is seen by anyone.
2. Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is a growing concern, and social media is a common platform for it to occur. As a parent, be aware of the signs of cyberbullying, including changes in behavior, anxiety, and depression. Encourage your child to speak openly with you about their online experiences, and teach them how to block and report abusive content or behavior.
3. Inappropriate content: Social media platforms can expose children to inappropriate content, including violence, explicit images, and hate speech. Parental controls and filters can help limit your child's exposure to such content, but it is important to talk to your child about online safety and the importance of reporting inappropriate content.
4. Time management: Social media can be addictive, and children may spend hours scrolling through their feeds. It's crucial to limit their social media time and encourage them to engage in other activities, such as sports, hobbies, and spending “in-person” time with family and friends.
5. Privacy: Teach your child to protect their personal information online and the importance of keeping their passwords secure. Also, discuss the consequences of sharing personal information online and the risks of identity theft. We talk about this at school, so having them hear it at home as well reinforces the importance of the subject.

As humans we are social beings. We enjoy the connection that social media brings, and its ability to teach us new things. Since social media isn’t going away, it is more important than ever to help children understand how to navigate this online world at their fingertips.  

By teaching your child about online safety, setting limits, and monitoring their activity, you can help them navigate social media in a responsible and healthy way.

Check out our New Code Academy YouTube channel for other helpful Tech Videos, and of course our weekly NewsBYTEs! Like and Subscribe to the channel to receive updates for our new videos each week.  Also, check out our New Code Academy website for our Tech Talk blog.

If you have questions or would like more information or resources about this topic, you can contact me at rcannon@isd271.org.