Social Media 

Both the physical age of your child and their level of maturity and resilience can affect their ability to have positive experiences on social media. It is important that parents and carers have discussions with their child/ children about using social media safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Each social media site and app has its own criteria for minimum age requirements. Most require users to be at least 13 years of age before they can register. Generally, the 13-year age requirement is not necessarily because the site is unsafe for children to use but to comply with a US law — the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), which prevents collection and storage of personal information from children under 13 years of age. 

Understand the applications and social media sites your child is using

• Check theeSafety Guide to apps and online programs
• Use the apps yourself to see what content comes up or is on the app

Set rules for your child’s social media use

• Set limits to how much screen time you allow your child to have
• Help your child set up privacy settings so that their accounts are private
• That you have to be a ‘friend’ or ‘follower’ on your child’s accounts
• They need adult permission to post a photo or video

Have discussions with your child about social media

• Ask your child who they follow and who follows them, and ask to see what’s being posted.
• Discuss any harmful content your child may come across
• Check in with your child about the social media use

Encourage safe and responsible behaviour 

• Remind them to avoid responding to negative messages and to tell you or another trusted adult if they receive them.
• Teach your child how to block accounts/ users and report them if necessary
• Ensure your child understands the implications of their online behaviours

Help your child to deal with difficult situations they may face online 

• If they have a negative online experience, find out how they are feeling about it, offer support and encourage them to keep things in perspective at the same time.
• Make sure they know how to block and report users or pages on the sites they use.
• Build your child’s confidence and encourage positive ways of thinking — looking on the bright side, thinking rationally, understanding that difficult times are a part of life but there is help and support available.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s use of social media, please contact your child’s teacher or myself.

Kind regards,

Nick Hoare 

Digital Technology Coordinator 

Information from: eSafety Commissioner & Common Sense Media