Top Tips To Keep Children Safe On Social Media

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as my kids grow up and want more online access, and having always been a very protective parent when it comes to the internet, I check out top tips to keep children safe on social media.

My children, once content with building forts and colouring pictures, are fast growing up and will soon be navigating a world of likes, shares, and endless scrolling. I’ve always been fiercely protective of their online experiences, banning access to games with online chat abilities and preventing them from having any social media, but those days are numbered as my oldest heads for high school this September. With their growing desire for social media, I knew it was time to trade my protective instincts for proactive strategies.

I don’t believe social media is all bad, and I certainly use it a lot myself. These platforms can offer opportunities for connection with friends and self-expression in interesting and creative ways, but they also come with inherent risks. As parents, I believe that it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard our children’s online safety. 

Join me as I dive into the digital age, researching the best ways to keep my children safe while still allowing them to explore this vibrant online world. I’ll share tips, tricks, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of social media parenting with confidence.

To help me out, Trevor Cooke, Privacy Expert at EarthWeb, sent over five essential social media settings that can help protect kids online, along with guidelines for configuring them effectively.

Prioritising children’s online safety requires a multifaceted approach that includes both proactive parental supervision and leveraging the built-in safety features offered by social media platforms. By implementing these essential settings and guidelines, parents can create a safer and more secure online environment for their children to explore and connect with others.

-Trevor Cooke

Growing Concerns and Proactive Parental Supervision

As technology weaves itself ever more tightly into the fabric of our lives, the digital world has become a playground for both children and potential dangers. The rise of social media has brought with it a surge in concerns about cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy violations.

A recent report by TikTok highlights the scale of the problem. In 2022, an alarming 37,798 videos per 100,000 users were removed due to content deemed harmful to minors. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for parental vigilance and proactive safety measures.

From the subtle dangers of cyberbullying to the more overt threats of online predators, the digital landscape can be a minefield for young users. It’s imperative that we equip our children with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex environment safely and responsibly.

Identifying Key Settings and Features

Social media platforms offer a toolbox of safety features that parents can utilize to create a safer online environment for their children. From carefully adjusting privacy settings to implementing robust content filters, these tools can significantly reduce exposure to harmful content and unwanted interactions. For instance, parents can control who can see their child’s profile, limit direct messaging, and turn off location sharing.

Understanding and effectively using these features is crucial in empowering parents to make informed decisions about their child’s online safety. By taking advantage of the available tools and resources, parents can create a more secure digital landscape for their children to explore and learn.

Remember, parental involvement and ongoing communication with children remain essential components of online safety.

1. Privacy Settings: Safeguarding Personal Information

Understanding and utilizing privacy settings effectively, parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with social media. Platforms like Facebook offer a robust suite of privacy controls, allowing users to tailor their visibility and protect personal information.

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

• Private Profiles: Encourage your child to set their profile to private, limiting who can view their posts, photos, and personal information.
• Restricting Tagging: Help your child understand the implications of photo tagging and how to manage who can tag them.
• Location Sharing: Disable location sharing to prevent strangers from knowing your child’s whereabouts.
• Limiting Direct Messages: Consider restricting direct messages to friends only to reduce the risk of unwanted contact.

Remember, privacy settings are not foolproof. Regular monitoring, open communication, and ongoing education are essential components of a comprehensive online safety strategy. By working together with your child, you can empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the digital world with confidence.

2. Content Filters: Filtering Out Inappropriate Content

Content filters act as a crucial shield, protecting young users from harmful or explicit content. Platforms like Instagram offer customizable content filters that allow parents to tailor their child’s online experience based on age and sensitivity.

By carefully adjusting these settings, parents can create a safer digital environment. For instance, you can block content related to violence, hate speech, or explicit themes. Some platforms even allow you to filter content based on age-appropriateness, ensuring that your child is exposed to content that aligns with their maturity level.

Remember, content filters are not foolproof. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your child and regularly review and update these settings as they grow and their online habits evolve.

3. Account Restrictions: Managing Interactions and Features

Carefully adjusting account restriction settings to significantly reduce the risk of unwanted and inappropriate content. Platforms like Snapchat allow users to limit who can send them direct messages and friend requests, acting as a crucial barrier against strangers.

Empower your child by teaching them to utilize these features effectively. Encourage them to regularly review and update their privacy settings. By taking a proactive approach, you can help your child maintain control over their online experience and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to online predators or cyberbullying.

4. Location Sharing Controls: Protecting Privacy and Safety

Location sharing is a powerful tool, but it can also be a privacy risk. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to understand and utilize location sharing controls on social media platforms. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram offer features that allow users to share their location with selected friends, adding an extra layer of control.

By enabling these settings, parents can ensure that their child’s location is only shared with trusted contacts. This helps to prevent unwanted tracking and potential harm. It’s essential to have open conversations with your child about the importance of location privacy and the potential consequences of sharing their location with strangers.

5. Notification Settings: Staying Informed and Alert

Notification settings are your child’s online activity radar. They provide valuable insights into your child’s digital interactions, allowing you to stay informed and intervene when necessary. Platforms like Snapchat offer features that send alerts for new messages, friend requests, and even suspicious activity.

By enabling these notifications, parents can stay attuned to their child’s online world and address potential issues promptly. For example, if you receive an alert about a new friend request from an unknown account, you can step in to investigate and provide guidance.

Conclusion

Navigating the digital landscape with children can feel like a daunting task, but it’s essential for their well-being. By combining parental vigilance with the right tools and open communication, we can create a safer online environment for our children. Remember, it’s about finding a balance between protection and allowing them the freedom to explore and learn.

Stay informed, stay involved, and most importantly, stay connected with your child. Keep the conversation going about their online experiences, and be prepared to adapt your strategies as the digital world evolves. By working together, we can empower our children to be responsible and confident digital citizens.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Connect with other parents, share experiences, and learn from each other. Together, we can build a stronger and safer online community for our children.

About EarthWeb

EarthWeb helps you discover the best research guides and resources for tech and online privacy. Their mission is to help you simplify processes and make informed buying decisions. Trevor Cooke is the online privacy expert at EarthWeb. His personal mission is to help keep consumers safe by keeping them informed of privacy tips and common online scams

Methodology

Data on TikTok violations was collected from Uswitch.

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