The social media dos and don’ts checklist

Because young people are utilizing an increasing number of social media platforms on a daily basis, it is essential to adhere to best practices that encourage the development of intelligent habits in order to ensure that their interactions online are both safe and productive. It is essential for parents, guardians, instructors, and students to maintain a level of awareness and take preventative measures about the possible advantages and risks that are associated with the use of social media in today’s world. For the purpose of protecting children and adolescents from trolls, cyberbullies, ‘fake’ friends, and online frauds, it is necessary for parents to be active on a daily basis in order to assist in ensuring privacy, security, and constructive action on social media. The following is a concise strategy to achieving success on social media!

DO,s

1. Discuss Social Media Openly
Promote honest dialogue between youth and adults. Discuss their platforms of choice, contacts with others, and opinions on their online encounters.

2. Respect Privacy Rights
Teach children and teenagers to routinely check app permissions, turn their accounts to private, restrict who may comment or contact them.

3. Wait Before You Share
Young users should be reminded that everything they post online will be there always. Motivational questions for them may be “Would I be okay if my family, teacher, or future employer saw this?”

4. Document and Block Negative Behavior
Should someone be bullied, harassed, or uncomfortable, they should block and report the offender right away. Instruct them against being mute.

5. Value Personal Information Privacy
Steer clear of posting publicly online complete names, addresses, school names, phone numbers, or real-time whereabouts.

6. Do Social Media Breaks?
Promote digital equilibrium. Breaks help to boost mental health and lessen the burden of continuous online presence.

7. Promote Good Content Distribution
Encourage young people to share, from their principles and interests, creative, compassionate, and instructive materials.

DONT,s

1. Show children that not everyone they meet online is who they say they are. It’s recommended not to interact with them if they do not know someone from actual life.

2. React not to bullies or trolls.
Dealing with bullies might aggravate issues. They should instead screenshot, document, and block the individual.

3. Never Share Passwords—even among close friends. Access for safety concerns should only be granted to trustworthy adults—that is, parents or guardians.

4. Steer clear of late night social media use.
Social applications used before bed might affect mental health and sleep. Define limits for better practices.

5. Fight Clickbait or Online Scams.
Tell younger consumers of phoney freebies, dubious connections, and scam messaging. Should it seem too good to be true, most likely it is.

6. Avoid Overshare Online Emotions
Personal drama or emotional outbursts might draw unwelcome attention. Promote offline, trustworthy person management of emotional problems.

7. Against Others, Never Compare Yourself
Tell teenagers most individuals only share the finest moments of their life. Online reality is not usually the whole truth.