Parenting A Social Media Generation

Social media gives kids a way to connect with friends and family, and express themselves to a larger audience. However, there are also many dangers to it: false perceptions which lead to unattainable standards, the lengths people will go for creative content, and online bullying, to name a few. And while those worries are normal, they can be balanced out with some helpful and hopeful information.

While we are still trying to figure out the pros and cons of social media, what we cannot deny is how the Internet and social media have shrunk the world, brought us closer and made us global citizens. These networks have become important channels for daily personal interactions and live wires that help us stay in touch with our friends and family.

Through various networks we also see how strangers living in a particular area or people of common interests can start interacting, making new friends and come together to support each other. As the founder of a mom community, I can confidently comment on how these networks help moms give and receive support at all levels.

After duly acknowledging all the big positives it has given us as adults, let us now bring our attention to our kids who have also slowly started using the various social media platforms. I was super thrilled when I saw my 11-year-old get on a video conference call to prepare for an upcoming contest. When I shared this with a friend, she cautioned me immediately of that day not being far away, when my child would demand access to apps like Snapchat and Instagram like its his birthright. While as a parent I understand the positives, I also cannot un-see the potential dangers that this space has for our young ones who are at a vulnerable phase.

Now, I am hardly an overprotective mom. But what makes it difficult is that there is something new every day on the Internet – a new app, a new feature. Even before we could understand and process what it is, it has already reached the adolescents and teenagers – merely because it is an increasingly growing user base with heavy users in it.