Social Media

By: Simon Clarke | Posted: Thursday February 16, 2023

An excerpt from the Meet the Teacher night on social media

There are many great things about this age group, but one of the issues that we are increasingly finding with children is the issues around peer pressure, especially when it comes to social media. As much as they may start to be pushing us away at this age, it is also a time they need their parents more to support and guide them. Social media platforms have age restrictions for a number of reasons, but one of them is that children need a maturity and cognitive ability to manage themselves successfully and navigate the complex world of social media.

I saw a news article today from the surgeon general of America, who has found data saying that 13 is probably too young for children to comprehend the complex world of social media.

Some of the ideas that have been shared with me by parents over the last few years include.

  1. No cell phones when in bed (This should be a non-negotiable!)

  2. Lock box - The whole family put their phones in a box for a set amount of time.  This includes mum and dad!  

  3. Mobile phones charged in a family area over night

  4. Be connected to their accounts

  5. And most importantly, talk, talk, talk to your child.  Let their know what your expectations are and that you are always there for them when things go wrong.

Netsafe website has some excellent advice for parents on how to navigate their way through this murky area.