Supporting Ourselves and Our Kids Online
Managing the intersection of our own relationship with technology and teaching our children how to do the same is complex and difficult, but it is also a skill set that we can learn. This post isn’t about the perils of the digital age. We have heard a lot about that already, and the research is readily available.
What follows is an overview of resources chosen for the purpose of equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and tools you need to cultivate healthier relationships with the digital tools we engage with every day. As with any skill set, this takes time. Model the process of learning for children, just as you would any other skill.
Let’s Start with Some Inspiration!
This article highlights 19 young people who have harnessed the power of social media for good.
Below is the article’s introduction:
“There’s so much bad publicity these days about teens and social media. Cyberbullying, inappropriate postings on social networking sites, and apps that put teens in bad situations...problems like these tend to make headlines. But there are also students out there using social media in positive ways- sometimes wonderful, life-changing ways that show you’re never too young to make a difference.”
Benefits of Social Media and Guidance for Adults
The articles below provide science-backed approaches to tapping into the benefits of social media and offer strategies for teaching and supporting youth while learning how to navigate their digital world.
Benefits include:
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Positive community connection, especially for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth and those with limited access to broader social networks
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Access to information
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Spaces for creative self-expression
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Identity development
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Connection to friends and family
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Access to a broader network of support services
Strategies include:
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Create a family media plan (adapted from a current Westside family’s device plan for their child(ren))
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Model responsible technology usage
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Create tech-free zones at home
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Report cyberbullying and other inappropriate content
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Coaching and teaching students how to use digital tools and apps for good
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How to use parental controls to teach digital literacy
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Monitoring usage to ensure children get adequate sleep and exercise
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Limiting appearance-related content
Social Media and Youth Mental Health (Surgeon General)
Additional Resources
This page is a resource hub and “one-stop shop” for supporting digital literacy at home.
Below are just a few articles you can find here:
- What Are Some Basic Gaming and Social Media Rules for Elementary Schoolers?
- What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for Middle Schoolers?
- Practical Tips for Easing Kids' Social Media Anxiety
- Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok
- How to Help Girls Have Healthier Social Media Experiences
Written by Adam Elder, Westside's Director of Counseling & SEL