Five Social Media Tips for Parents

 

As Spring Break Approaches, 25-Year Media Literacy Expert Jennifer Barger Shares 5 Social Media Tips for Parents 

 

Spring Break is around the corner and millions of young people with first-time cell phones and tablets are likely to be glued to their smart devices. Fortunately, a longtime teen advocate and 25-year Media Literacy Expert - Jennifer Berger – is available to share 5 Social Media Tips for Parents.  

 

Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Ready Set Screen, Jennifer also has introduced a timely and important new resource called "The Social Media Driver's License," a first-of-its-kind program to prepare kids 10-14 for the adoption of smartphones and the use of social media in their lives. www.socialmediadriverslicense.org.

 

 

Tip #1: Adjust your mirror to see things through their eyes

Showing interest instead of judgment not only strengthens your connection, but can also make it easier for you to talk to your child about the not-so-fun stuff. Get curious about their favorite creators, videos, apps, and games. You might be surprised by how rich the conversation can get.

Tip #2: Take tech for a test drive

The more your child is involved in creating limits, the better it will be for them and for you. Work with them to set up an initial “experiment.” What if they put their phone in a different room while doing homework? Be an active participant and agree to put your phone away during that time as well.

 

Tip #3: Chart a map to other activities

We all can get stuck doing one activity. Encourage your child to get off their device and create a list of offline activities they love: sports, art, hanging out with pets, reading — whatever lights them up. You can occasionally point them back to it when they seem restless or stuck in a scroll spiral.

 

Tip #4: Give the good parts of being online a green light

Focusing only on the negatives of social media with your child can backfire. Instead of making screens the enemy, acknowledge that digital has value in our lives. You can still set boundaries and encourage balance without dismissing the genuine joy and connection online time can bring.

 

Tip #5: Give them a new way to start their engine

When kids use their phone as an alarm clock, it’s the first thing they interact with in the morning and last thing before they go to bed at night. A basic alarm clock can help them start and end their day without a screen.