{"id":70407,"date":"2022-11-09T08:40:27","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T16:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/?p=70407"},"modified":"2022-11-10T09:05:34","modified_gmt":"2022-11-10T17:05:34","slug":"how-to-talk-to-kids-about-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/en\/internet-culture\/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"How to talk to kids about social media"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Credit: Nick Velazquez \/ Mozilla<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Joy<\/figure>
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Joy Cho is the founder and creative director of the lifestyle brand and design company Oh Joy! For two years in a row, she was named one of Time\u2019s 30 Most Influential People on the Internet and has the most followed account on Pinterest<\/a> with over 15 million followers. You can also follow her on Instagram<\/a><\/em> and learn more about her work on ohjoy.com<\/a>.<\/pre>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I\u2019m part of the first generation of parents of children who\u2019ve been exposed to the internet since birth. I remember the days without cellphones, email, social media, streaming TV shows and quick access to the web (hello, that AOL dial-up ringtone!). So often, I feel unsure about how to set up my kids for success with their own technology use \u2013 something my own parents never had to figure out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social media in particular can be scary to think about when it comes to my kids, but I know it can be great too. I\u2019m a designer and business owner who has made amazing connections online, and it has allowed me to create my own community on the internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have also seen the toll social media takes: making unhealthy comparisons, doomscrolling<\/a> and being unable to focus on one thing at a time. Do you often find yourself watching TV while also scrolling through Instagram on your phone? I sure do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how do we talk to our kids about social media<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, consider your own habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Every family is different and should handle the topic in a way that works for them. Just like rules for treats, chores, bedtime and allowance, social media is just another part of parenting that involves making the best choices for their family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From my experience, as someone who spends a lot of social media for work, I believe that we should model the behavior we want our kids to have. Here are some things I\u2019m doing and asking myself: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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1. How much am I on social media? And what am I doing while there?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
How much of that time is productive (creating community, catching up with friends, learning something) vs. how much of it feels like I\u2019m on social media just to pass time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at our own habits first will better inform how we can be role models for our kids. If you feel that you\u2019re on your device more than you\u2019d want to, this is a great time to modify that before establishing what to expect of your kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. How much privacy do I want?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
I know some families who don\u2019t post any photos of their kids online. And then some families share what feels like every moment of every day in their kids\u2019 lives on a public social media account. Some people post photos but cover their kids\u2019 faces or only show their kids from the back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I used to share my kids\u2019 photos and videos all the time when they were younger, but as they got older, I felt the need to protect their privacy more and more. Now, you will rarely see them on my public feeds. I use social media for business, and my kids are not part of my business, so now I make that distinction because that is what feels right for me and my family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your answer might be different. You might have 75 followers of your closest family and friends on a private account and social media is the easiest way to share updates about your family. Whatever you\u2019re doing, make sure it’s intentional and feels right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. How can I use social media for good?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
While social media often gets a bad rep, it also gives us incredible ways to connect with people, offer inspiration and keep us in tune with what\u2019s going on in the world. Think about how you can, too, contribute to that positivity based on what you share and how you share it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
  
 
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A post shared by Joy Cho \/ Oh Joy! (@ohjoy)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>