Today, the world is full of digital gadgets; kids can access anything online with just one click. They can play videos and songs, watch movies and cartoons, and do anything by scrolling. They can interact with friends or strangers through social media platforms. However, some content does not suit them due to their age or maturity level.
Parents should come in the front seat after giving their children a smartphone. Their main goal is to ensure their child fits in the appropriate things. There are a lot of cyber predators out there; keep your child secure with your own. Take control of all their social accounts. Install significant games and apps. Play with them so they can be engaged. Remember! You are the parents; only you know your child best and how to teach them crucial security guides.
Why Is Social Media Monitoring Crucial For Parenting?
Social media monitoring refers to tracking social accounts like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Navigating a child’s online routine can be difficult for a parent. Parenting can be challenging; you want to make your child safe, secure, and responsible. You want to know what your child is doing online, what they search for, and whom they contact.
However, when they are kids, it is easy to manage things, set boundaries, and restrict cell phone use during study or family time. But when they become older, if you apply restrictions, they become defensive. The continuing restriction comes with bad relationships.
But as a parent, you consider it your duty. Before handing a smartphone to the child, you want surety about their privacy from online predators.
Monitor Activities
Some parents check their child activities in a week. Some are after a few days. But, their concern is to monitor their child’s online activities. Check their social account feeds to see and block any harmful content if they watch.
Some parents filter the internet and create profiles using Android. This also helps them block and restrict apps, websites, and calls.
Google and Yahoo provide child email support to parents who want to create child profiles using child email. Parents can access their emails and assess them. The child should be 13 years old if creating an email account.
Digital Check-Ins
Try to sit with your child, learn their interests, and ask them about their favorite people for specific reasons. Inquire about their friends, watch funny videos, gain their trust, and then make them feel relaxed enough to talk openly. Cherish the moment and build a strong relationship.
Behind their back
Support them by telling them everything about social media. Ensure their safety and avoid online bullies.
Parental Control
Parental control lets parents block disturbing and inappropriate content. It works across Wi-Fi, data, and other devices. TheOneSpy is the top-leading tool with advanced tracking features, including location, social media, call, message monitoring, and more.
- Track the child’s live location and visited locations with GPS trackers.
- Filtering content to avoid harmful content
- Monitor their social accounts and restrict any malicious activity you notice.
Why is Monitoring Children’s Social Media Accounts crucial for parenting?
The quick answer is yes. Experts agree that parents must be proactive about their children’s social media use. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently published guidelines recommending parents monitor social media accounts for all children under age 15.
Cyberbullying, online predators, and content that glamorizes dangerous behavior are just a few of the reasons that parents must stay one step ahead of their kids’ social media.
How Can You Find The Unhealthy Use Of Social Media?
Parents can detect if they notice any problems in the child’s behavior. Parents can discover it in many ways, such as:
- Disturbing their daily routine, including school work, friendships, and other activities.
- They prioritized social interaction more than personal.
- Not get enough sleep (Almost 8 hours)
- Habits of constantly using social media
- Continual craving to use social apps
- Make excuses to spend time on social apps
What Are The Solutions?
Ask your child if any of the statements above applies to them. If you’re worried about your child being dependent on social media or using the outlets unhealthfully, try setting new rules around this type of technology. Suppose you suspect your child is suffering psychological harm, or you are struggling to implement healthy social media usage with your child. In that case, a mental health professional can help you find healthier ways to engage with the digital world.
Final Words!
Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s social media accounts. If you give your child a phone, you should prioritize the kid’s security and privacy. Be patient and keep a keen eye on child social accounts!