When I was young, I was taught to be careful with what I said because my words could come back to haunt me. Today, we have to teach our kids to be mindful of what they type because that can affect their whole future.
This may sound extreme and even bordering on fearmongering, but the reality is that there are plenty of young adults who have ruined opportunities because of something they typed or photographed on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or other social media.
A college baseball player was recently cut from his baseball team because of an inappropriate tweet. After writing a demeaning tweet about her employer, a girl lost her new job before she even got a chance to start. A college basketball coach recently admitted that he stopped recruiting a talented young man after reading his Twitter feed. He said the athleteās posts didnāt reflect what the university wanted in its students.
While these are examples that have made national headlines, Iām certain there are many more. Whether itās something personally revealing, something negative about someone else or something downright stupid that they think makes them look cool, teens and young adults say it all through texting and social media. Hiding behind the keyboard gives a false sense of confidence to say things they normally wouldnāt say face to face with someone else.
Getting through to teens on this subject is challenging.
First, teens have to realize that nothing typed, posted or texted ever goes away ā ever. Second, teens have to get it through their thick skulls that whatever they type can and will be on display for anyone in the world to see at some point. Combining these two issues with immaturity can be disastrous.
I recently read some excellent social media guidelines from the Lincoln Public Schools newsletter that are not only valuable for teens, but also good for adults!
Basic Tips for Social Media
Twitter: Tweet only what you are comfortable with your grandma reading.
Instagram: Only post photos you would want passed around the family dinner table.
Facebook: Post praise of others, your highlights and talk about your academic successes.
All Social Media: Donāt post to social media after a loss or emotional event. Donāt criticize anyone, even as humor. Never post anything that could be remotely construed as an illegal activity (alcohol, drugs, etc.)
Technology has changed the way we live, and itās not going away. The only way to completely keep your kids off of social media is to lock them in a rubber room without internet access or cell phone service. Although I wouldnāt be surprised if they somehow found internet access through a nearby āhot spot.ā
Iām curious to know how other parents have tackled this tedious task. How do you educate your teens on using social media appropriately? Has it worked? Share your thoughts and comments!
Anne Blankenbiller
K-12 & Teens
Most of my mornings, afternoons, and evenings are spent driving the kids here and thereāand then back to here again. Every child is a gift on loan from God. As parents, our job is to raise that child to be an independent adult who can contribute to the world using the gifts and talents he or she was given. It is hands-down the most important job on earth!
