Online Monitoring Creates Accountability
Parents should find a way to monitor their teenagers social media use while still maintaining their privacy. A teenager may feel threatened when you tell them that they have to add you to their friend list; however, explain to them that you care about them and want to make sure that they follow the rules. If you are uncomfortable with adding your teenager as a friend, you can designate someone to “check on” them and report any misbehavior or abuse to you. This will hold your child accountable and protect them from the dangerous activity on the Internet.
Why is it Important to Follow your Teenager on Social Media Platforms?
Following your teen online not only protects them from online dangers. Many young people don’t fully understand the dangers because they are still naive and they don’t realize that they could be potentially putting themselves in harms way. If you are following your teen, then you can chime in when you feel that your teen is engaging in harmful activity or potentially harmful situations. Instead of, getting upset with them and punishing them on the first offense, use it as a teaching opportunity. Explain to them what they are doing that is dangerous and tell them why it is dangerous. Let your teenager know that you care about their safety and want to help them.
To Be Continued: Teach Your Child the Dangers That Lurk on the Internet – Part 3
Does your child use the computer or a smart phone? Do you monitor their social media activity?
Comments
12 responses to “Teach Your Child the Dangers That Lurk on the Internet – Part 2”
I’m glad that my grandkids aren’t teens yet. Though they still love to play games on the internet. It’s so important to know what they’re doing because there are others out there who would do them harm.
Yes, my tween just start getting interested in playing computer games as well. He isn’t old enough for Facebook yet.
I think you’re right that if parents take the approach and tell their kids that they are monitoring their activity to keep them safe more will be receptive. A lot of teens may not be able to recognize when someone is being inappropriate with them, but their parents will. It’s not just about trying to see what they’re doing when the go out with friends. I think the right approach with teens can make a big difference. Thanks for the great post.
This is a great way to summarize my post. Thank you for your insight DelSheree. 🙂
I look back on my parenting of teens and think of how hard this must be .. I guess the answer is to be upfront about what is private and what is not.. I had ” history” and told the kids it was MY history.. so I could look at where they were searching.. They didn’t have facebook then.. in fact due to some of those years being dial up their surfing was restricted !
I remember those days of dial up. I agree things have changed rapidly over the last 16 or more years. My daughter was a baby when I finally got the Internet.
Some really great tips for parents. The internet is a scary place, although it doesnt have to be with a little guidance like you are providing
I agree Tom. 🙂
very professional looking layout, I like it.
Thank you Tyler.
Fantastic article! I wish I had something to contribute but you said it all!!!!!
Thank you for stopping by and reading my post Don.