The term “sharenting” has been used to describe parents that overshare on Facebook and other social media outlets. Most parents have been guilty of it at one point or another. Social media is a great opportunity to stay in touch with loved ones, and to ask others for advice and assistance. However, while utilizing the internet can foster a sense of community, it can also lead to potential negative repercussions. It’s important for guardians and other caretakers to use technology in a responsible way, which includes establishing clear and set boundaries. Below are our childcare professionals’ tips and suggestions on how to use social media carefully.
Why Do Sharenting Guidelines Matter?
It’s impossible to avoid using social media in today’s day and age. Raising children in our Pinterest-perfect culture can be a lot of pressure, and can affect your parenting if you’re not careful. Children are like sponges, absorbing messages and actions from many sources. They then mimic these behaviors. Below are 6 social media tips to keep in mind when using it as a parent.
1. Do Keep the Venting Off-Line
Remember that what you upload on Facebook is viewable to your friends list, or depending on your privacy settings, to the public. If you have an issue with a grandparent, educator, or nanny that’s part of your child’s life, address it with that party directly and not on your feed. Stop to think prior to hitting the share button, especially if it is a political or personal viewpoint.
2. Don’t Assume Your Young Adult Isn’t Using Social Media
Many websites such as Facebook and Twitter have age restrictions, but adolescents can still try to circumnavigate them by falsifying their information. It is up to the parents to monitor if their child is using Facebook, Instagram, and other sites. More information on age restrictions for children can be located here. There are also a number of software suites that adults can purchase to monitor their son or daughter’s time on-line. Teach them how to use their screen time responsibly with these tips. Additionally, make sure to keep the computer in a place viewable to everyone, and not in a child’s room.
3. Do Ask Your Child First
Even if your child can’t read or see the information you post now, they will soon enough. Keep moments that might embarrass your child off-line and once they’re older, make sure to ask their permission prior to posting anything related to them, whether it’s a photo or a conversation that you might think is funny. Your child has a right to privacy as well. If you have to post pictures of your children, remove any geotags and avoid using their real names in the tag or description. Photos to avoid uploading include bath time, shaming photos during potty training, and others.
4. Don’t Post Photos of Someone Else’s Child
In the same way, you wouldn’t want another person to upload pictures of your child, we advise that parents not post photos that include other children. Not every family shares on Facebook, and so you don’t want to cause harm by not asking permission first.
5. Do Avoid Identifiers
Prior to posting anything, confirm your privacy settings, making sure that your location or other identifiers show on your post. Sharing personal information can be dangerous because it tells potential thieves that you might not be at home, leaving you open for robberies. Parents should also avoid uploading images of children in the classroom or on school grounds. These photos could fall into the wrong hands and be accessible to online predators.
6. Don’t Live for the Likes
When spending time with your children, be mindful and present in the moment. Constantly taking photos and videos can prevent both you and your child from being fully engaged in the present. Take a few photos and then enjoy what’s in front of you. To increase mindfulness in your kids, visit our guest blog on GetConnectDad here.
7. Do Stay Up-to-Date on New Technology Apps
It is up to parents to stay current on the latest technology apps and trends as there are many risks that children are subjected to when going on-line. This means staying informed on where and what they use. Talk to your children! Ask them which apps or platforms they use. Parents should be familiar with their kid’s digital footprint, which includes asking what information he or she shares, as well as learning more about who they talk to on the program. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can go a long way to ensuring that you’re up-to-date. Additional resources for parents and how technology can benefit their lives can be found on our blog.
Contact the Nanny Authority for More Information Today!
As caregivers, it is our responsibility to understand, connect, and teach our children how to thrive in the technological world. Here at the Nanny Authority, we focus on placing nannies that are technology-conscious and use it in a wise and responsible manner. We also advise any parents who feel strongly about their child’s media intake to speak with their prospective nanny about technology. A good nanny will follow the rules of their employer. Contact us at 973-466-2669 or via e-mail for more information today!