Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

Don't be ignorant about your teens and social media. Get involved and understand what your teens are doing online.

Your teens and their activity on social media is a whole other world, and most parents don’t understand it. Ignoring it or downplaying its influence over your teens is a dangerous mistake. Parents can’t be ignorant. You need to know what your kids are doing online: who they’re talking to, what they’re looking at, and how they represent themselves to their peers. Use these five tips to help you engage with your teen about social media.

Know How the Apps Work

Educate yourself on how each app your teens use works and why they’re valuable to your teen. Be aware of the things your teen “likes” online because this will inform you as to the influences that have captured their attention. The more you understand why these apps are important and how your teen uses them, the more educated and aware you will be regarding the possible dangers and temptations these apps can bring.

Know Who Your Kids Are Following

Talk with your teens about who they follow on Instagram and Twitter. Ask them how they choose who to follow and why. Then, do some research. Look into what these people post because who your teen follows will tell you a lot about your child.

Know Your Own Values

Talk with your kids about having the right values. Adopt a worldview that will help your family know what they should and shouldn’t value.

Be Willing to Talk About It

Talk to your kids about how they can live out their values. It’s important for you to talk to your kids about how they can stand up for their values even when no one else does.

Keep Checking Up on Your Kids

The issues surrounding social media can’t be fully addressed once. It needs to be an ongoing conversation between you and your teens. You should regularly check in with your teens on what they are doing online. Ask to see their phone and look through the apps to see if they are staying within the boundaries you had agreed to in previous conversations.

Read more
Read less

Key Points:

  • Know how the apps work.
  • Know who your kids are following.
  • Know your own values.
  • Be willing to talk about it.
  • Keep checking up on your kids.

Quote This:

Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo, or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprint and personal brand. -Amy Jo Martin

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How tech-savvy are you as a parent? What social media apps do you use?
  3. How often do you check up on your kids and their presence on social media? What have you discovered about your teens?
  4. What are some potential dangers of letting your kids have total freedom with social media?
  5. What are some practical things you can do as a family to incorporate a positive worldview?
  6. How will you incorporate these tips in dealing with your teens and social media?
  7. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.