Social Media

Teaching elementary age children about social media is important for their digital literacy and online safety. Here is a guideline for parents to use during teachable moments when explaining the concept of social media and the choices and consequences associated with it:

• 1.Introduce social media: Begin by explaining that social media is a digital platform where people can connect, share, and communicate with others online. Discuss popular social media platforms that children may encounter, such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

• 2.Discuss the purpose of social media: Explain that social media can be used to stay connected with friends and family, share interests and hobbies, and learn new things. Emphasize that social media platforms have age restrictions and guidelines to ensure a safe and appropriate online experience.

• 3.Highlight responsible digital citizenship: Discuss the importance of responsible digital citizenship when using social media. Explain that being a responsible digital citizen means using social media in a positive and respectful way, following community guidelines, and being mindful of the impact of our actions online.

• 4.Talk about online safety: Discuss the potential risks and challenges of using social media. Teach children about the importance of keeping personal information private, avoiding interactions with strangers, and reporting any inappropriate or harmful content they encounter.

• 5.Explore privacy settings and controls: Teach children about privacy settings on social media platforms. Explain how they can control who can see their posts and information. Encourage them to regularly review and update their privacy settings to ensure their online safety.

• 6.Discuss the impact of online communication: Explain that the way we communicate online can have consequences. Discuss the importance of using respectful and kind language when interacting with others. Teach children to think before they post or comment, considering the potential impact of their words on others.

• 7.Teach critical thinking: Encourage children to think critically about the content they encounter on social media. Discuss the importance of questioning information, fact-checking, and being aware of potential misinformation or scams online. Help them develop a healthy skepticism and the skills to evaluate the credibility of online sources.

• 8.Discuss choices related to social media: Talk about the choices children can make when using social media. Choices may include posting appropriate content, avoiding oversharing personal information, being mindful of their online behavior, and treating others with kindness and respect.

• 9.Highlight consequences of inappropriate use: Discuss the consequences of inappropriate use of social media. Help children understand that posting or sharing inappropriate content can harm their reputation, impact their relationships, and have long-term consequences. Discuss real-life examples to illustrate these points.

• 10.Encourage open communication: Create an open and non-judgmental space where children feel comfortable discussing their experiences and concerns about social media. Encourage them to talk about any negative experiences of encounters they may have had and provide guidance on how to handle such situations.

• 11.Set boundaries and screen time limits: Establish clear boundaries and screen time limits for social media use. Discuss the importance of balancing online activities with other offline activities, such as hobbies, exercise, and spending time with family and friends.



Remember, teaching about social media is an ongoing process. By following this guideline, parents can help their children understand the concept of social media, make informed choices, and recognize the consequences of their online actions.