Social Media and Our
Children - 2016
Mark Mousa
Principal, Karrer Middle School
Why Children Choose Social Media
• Social Media is part of the fabric of the life of a modern child
• Having a digital identity is both necessary and important
• Times and technology have changed and will change, but the
development of the child has not
• Management and following a gradual release model of
responsibilities around technology and social media is
essential...just like other areas of life as they mature
• Avoid texting or messaging when you are upset or
emotional...talking with someone face to face is always the
best way to communicate important and emotional
information
The Reality
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We don’t have Smart “phones”
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Some children are just not ready for the responsibility of having this
much access
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If they NEED a phone…get them a phone
We have pocket computers that happen to also make phone calls
We have the Internet, Cameras, Movies, and Videos all with 24/7 access
at everyone’s fingertips
How do we prepare our children to…
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Get behind the wheel of a car? Date? Travel alone?
A gradual release as they are emotionally & developmentally ready
Why do we act differently with technology and Social Media?
Popular Apps to Avoid
Apps That are Safer Alternatives
• Calling and texting should be limited to those in the contact
list. Do not permit texting or calling through third party Apps
• While safer, parents still must monitor usage of all Apps that
are downloaded and posts that are made
Helpful Hints
“Think Before You Post”
• T - Is it TRUE?
• H - Is it HURTFUL?
• I - Is it INSPIRING?
• N - Is it NECESSARY?
• K - Is it KIND?
Some children are just not ready for Social Media.
Other Dangers
• Cellphones are 3/4G and LTE, they automatically bypass all
internet filters that are in place at home and at school
• Limit your child’s data usage plan, they just don’t need it
• Phones and data plans are expensive
• Cameras and Videos Everywhere: Never let anyone take a
pic or video of you without your permission
• Never take of photo or video of someone else without
receiving their permission
• Lost or Stolen Items - Do our children really understand?
• Identity Theft - Our lives are on our phones
Online Gaming
• Real vs. Fantasy (Forming an Identity)
• Access to anyone, any where world-wide
• Predators are everywhere
• You never know who is watching
• Social Emotional and Physical Issues
Sleep Deprivation
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Most online activity takes place between 9 PM and 7
AM
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The average teen needs more than 8 hours of sleep
a night
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Screens and Social Media force our brains to stay
awake and active
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Experts recommend no devices or screens at least
30 minutes before bed
Hidden Photo Vault Apps
• Calculator%
• Vaulty
• Audio Manager
Pornography
• Access to Pornography in 2015
• Over 1.79 billion internet pages
• Over 20 million websites
• 25% of all internet searches
• 35% of all internet downloads
Who is viewing it?
• 78% are 12 to 25 years old
• 12 to 17 year olds are the largest consumers
• 90% of 8 to 16 year olds have viewed
• 35% of 3 to 9 year olds have gone to sites
• Average age of 1st exposure is 8 years old
• Most are introduced by older siblings and/or relatives
Parent Guidelines
• Be accessible: trust and open-ness are paramount. Children will make mistakes they will
need an adult they trust to help them and guide them
• You MUST maintain access to your child’s phone and social media apps. Their phone and
accounts are your phone and accounts
• Get to know the privacy settings and block features on every App your child uses
• Provide clear expectations, limitations, and rules. Don’t wait for a problem to arise, get
ahead of it
• Limit technology during family times...yes, this includes parents too
• Most online activity takes place between 9 PM and 7 AM...have a plan and rules in place
to shutdown the technology at night
• Engage and collaborate with other parents, don’t be afraid to contact you children’s
friend’s parents and discuss your rules/expectations with them. Adults need to be on the
same page and work as a team
• Have a family account. Set up yourself to approve all purchases and Apps
• As a parent, it is OK to say “No”...Remember, you are in charge of YOUR child
If you feel your child is
ready
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An iPod or device limited to Wi-Fi is a great place to
start
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Must be linked to your account
A parent approves all Apps & purchases
Set guidelines & stick to them
Don’t be afraid to take the device away at the first
sign of a problem
Student Safety Rules
• Having an online identity matters. Let a trusted adult guide
you through establishing this identity over time
• Pause before you post, always assume EVERYONE will see
it or read it
• Never “friend” or add anyone to your account unless you
are sure of who they are and you trust them. Not a
competition
• Never send personal information, pictures or videos to
someone you do not know and trust very well. Even then,
once it is sent, you have lost all control
• Don’t respond to any unkind or rude comments
Resources
• Please go to our Social Media Link on the KMS Website:
http://www.dublinschools.net/karrer_home.aspx
Common Sense Media
@Common Sense