In this day in age,, we must be very careful on how we portray ourselves on social media. People of all ages use the internet from young kids all the way to seniors. Do we know what our children, teenagers and young adults post online? Do we monitor and supervise them or do we let them be free to make wise and smart choices when it comes to sharing and posting things on the internet? Whatever gets posted is there forever and many people can download, make screen shots, and do many crazy things with the content people post.
The use of mobile devices, tablets, and other forms of technology has made it so easy to communicate, post and sending out our thoughts, sharing photos, videos in an instant, where there are apps and software to alter photos and videos with Photoshop and so many other things. Most people now have mobile smartphone devices and tablets. What if those pictures, altered pictures, videos, and words are posted online and they are not very pleasant, they send out the wrong message of hate, bullying others, making threats, posting vulgar, profane language, thinking that they will never be caught when using another username?
Nowadays in schools, because of social media and how big it has gotten in our society, I think that Social Media, and Internet safety should be a course that should be implemented, and considered in schools. If not already done, but it is important that children, teens and those who are in college, should take this course, and be tested. How do we really know what our kids, teens and newly off to college teens are posting online? They think its alright to do whatever they want. They can do serious harm to others by embarrassing them, and it is not alright. take a stand, and monitor them. Have e-mails sent to you, monitor your internet browsing history and the cookies in your computer, and see what is going on with your child or teen.
Kids and teens say that they are joking around with posting photos and videos of other kids and teens in school, but on the contrary, it can hurt them, it can do serious damage to ones emotions and mental as well. It can carry out consequences, and it can do permanent damage and can hurt families. This also applies to any age, but if we do not teach our children, and teenagers now about what is right and wrong on social media, then they will think its okay to do it when they get older.
Many kids and teens feel so reluctant on getting their mobile phones, computers, and tablets taken away from them for when parents find out what they post and they stay quiet, thinking parent’s do not know what they are doing, but they can always find out and it is so easy to do that. Talk to your mobile carrier, or internet provider and ask them to get a service to monitor your child’s actions. I know that most parents trust their children, and the choices they make online or whatever, but it is vital and imperative to get involved at all times. It can ruin reputations of that family and worse, legal actions could be taken with the law. It is a good idea to have computers in a busy place in the house. Not in kids rooms. Somewhere central in the house, so that you can always view whats going on.
Get your kids together, ask them to leave their mobile devices on the kitchen counter, and get them to the living room, have the conversation, and set rules, boundaries, and time limits of using smartphones, internet usage, and explain to them the wrong and right way to use social media. It can save lives of bully victims, it can save hassle, and reputations.
Has your child or teen been a victim of cyber-bullying? Has your teen opened up to you about what he or she is feeling? Lets all work together to cut out bullying and make better choices. Get smart online, stop hating online, and start spreading cheer, happiness, kindness, inspiration, respect, love, and great things. Imagine how incredible social media can be when we all pull our weight and do whats right. Best wishes and lets make social media fun and enjoyable like it should be intended!