The Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting Tweets: How to Navigate Social Media Safely

Every year, parenting gets harder and harder. It seems like the world is moving too fast, and there’s not enough time to stay ahead of the curve. In this day and age, the internet and social media have only added to the complexity of parenthood. While they have made things like connecting with other parents, stealing a moment of relaxation or sharing funny moments with your children possible, they can also be a minefield for new and seasoned parents alike.

Parents today have to worry about everything from cyberbullying to internet predators. At the same time, social media has opened the floodgates of sharing, making it easy for parents to overshare or give away sensitive information that could put their children in harm’s way. In response to this, we’ve put together some “do’s and don’ts” of parenting tweets to help parents navigate the social media landscape safely.

DO Encourage Boundaries

Encourage your children to create a boundary around their personal life. Make it a rule that they should never post their personal information online, such as their home address or phone number. Make sure they understand the risks of oversharing and that they know to use privacy settings to help protect themselves. In addition, encourage them to make their social media accounts private, only allowing followers they trust.

DON’T Share personal information about your child

Sharing personal information about your child is a definite no-no. Posting pictures or videos of your child in their uniform or standing in front of your home is giving away too much information. To keep your child safe, never post personal information about them. Furthermore, refrain from divulging their grades, school performance and other sensitive information about them. Instead, try to keep your posts light and fun.

DO Model Good Behavior

Children look up to their parents. This rings true even in social media behavior, so leading by example can significantly impact their decisions. Make sure you are modeling appropriate behavior and making it clear that you respect both your and others’ privacy. Be sure to share in moderation and with due consideration for the people and communities involved. In essence, act online as you would if you were in the physical world.

DON’T Use Social Media as a Babysitter

It can be tempting to hand your child their gadget or phone on special occasion if all you want is a moment of peace and quiet. However, relying on social media too heavily as a babysitter could leave your child exposed to potential harm. Instead, provide entertainment through games, playing, and other activities that allows you to bond with your child. If it’s impossible to steer clear of social media, set strong boundaries with your kids and work together to ensure their safety.

DO Use Caution When Connecting with Other Parents

Connecting with other parents is one of the most significant benefits of social media. You can gain access to other parents who are going through the same experience as you, giving you support and advice. Considering your choice of who to connect with is essential. Get to know them first. Ask yourself if this is truly someone you can trust before giving away too much information.

DON’T Expose Your Child to Risk

Think before you share. Consider how a post could be used and how it could impact your child’s mental or physical safety. Be cautious about posting pictures of your child in uniform or exhibiting specificity to town, school, and even the street they live on.

In conclusion, social media is here to stay but learning how to use it safely is the new skill set parents need. When used correctly, social media can enhance the parenting experience. But it is important to be cautious about oversharing, setting up boundaries, and prioritizing caution over fun. With the above do’s and don’ts in mind, parents can be assured that their child’s time online is both enriching and safe.