Social Media Advice for Parents

All social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and YouTube have a minimum age limit of 13+. While we recommend that young people are not on social media before they are ready, we also know that there is often pressure for them to become active in these spaces earlier. If they are interacting in these spaces before they are 13, its always better that they’re open honest with you about using an app or site, rather than doing it behind your back. This way, you can help them make safe and responsible choices online.

Here are Netsafe’s top tips for setting up social media accounts for your child:

· Teach the online safety basics:

Make sure you’ve taught them the skills they need to make safe choices online. This includes how to set up a strong password, what information they need to protect online, what is appropriate online behaviour and what they should do if they need help or if something makes them uncomfortable or upset.

· Help with the set up:

If possible, set up the account together, using your email account and their actual age. This will help to limit the inappropriate content they see. Pay particular attention to the privacy settings when signing up and put aside time to when you can both explore the settings and functionality of the platform together.

· Set boundaries and expectations:

Sit together and come up with expectations around behaviour, screentime, privacy, who they will connect with and what can be shared. Let them know that you will be a ‘friend’ or you will ‘follow’ them – it is important to be transparent about this and ensure this expectation is in place from the beginning. Make sure you help them to have a plan in place should something not go as expected. What should they do if something happens online that makes them feel uncomfortable?

· Check-in:
Research shows that parents are critical to the success of young people becoming safe, confident and capable in their use of digital technology. Regular proactive  conversations at home helps to minimise the damage if things do go wrong online. It’s important to let your child know that they can talk to you about anything that happens to them online and that you’ll be there to support them no matter what.

· Teach them about the safety tools available – most social networks include tools to block, report or remove harmful content. Make sure they know how to use these to keep themselves safe.

For more information about keeping your children safe online visit netsafe.org.nz/digital-parenting/