Parenting in today’s world has completely changed due to social media. It has presented new challenges, twists and turns that parents of yesteryear couldn’t have even imagined.
Think about the difficulties of getting a teen to communicate, to share what is going on in their life. It can be like trying to pull teeth. But spend some time on their Facebook page and you can learn all sorts of things.
That can be good in many ways. You might learn about some struggles your teen is having. But it can also be bad in that you discover some things maybe you didn’t want to know.
Adding to this, you can know that others are aware of what is going on with your teen, too. Mutual “friends” on Facebook can include family or literal friends. Suddenly Aunt Patty is calling you up and asking what’s wrong with your teenage daughter.
You would love to say, “Mind your own business.” But how can you when she has just broadcasted all of her problems?
The world of social media has also introduced a brand new form of bullying. It can be vicious, unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the schoolyard.
This means you need to teach your teens about the effects of cyber bullying, so they don’t engage in it. On the other hand, you need to be aware if your child is the victim of it. This is an issue that just can’t be ignored.
Social media can infiltrate your teen’s life so much that they become disconnected from others. This is something parents need to be watchful of. If your teen doesn’t spend time with friends in person or their grades start slipping, you might need to take away some of those privileges.
That’s the other thing. Make sure your children understand that social media isn’t a given or a right. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility.
Our world has drastically changed. Although it presents unique challenges to parents, it also comes with positive opportunities.