Do I Actually Have to be on Snapchat to be a Good Digital Dad or mum?

If you happen to needed to rely the variety of social media platforms your teen makes use of, I’m wondering what the rating could be? 2, 5 or perhaps much more? Nicely, surprisingly analysis from our Aussie eSafety Commissioner exhibits that Aussie youngsters use a mean of 4 social media providers. I guess you thought it could be extra. I did! So, perhaps this implies we don’t want to fret an excessive amount of about becoming a member of and understanding these platforms? Certainly their abilities have to be fairly polished if there are solely utilizing 4 platforms? Improper!! Being a very good digital mum or dad means we have to take the time to know our youngsters’ digital world – even after we assume they’ve a deal with on it. 

My Prime Tip Ever – Get Concerned  

Over the past 12 years in my job as Cybermum, I’ve shared an abundance of recommendation. But when I needed to choose a very powerful piece it’s this – the very best technique to preserve your youngsters secure on-line is to decide to understanding your youngsters’ on-line world, notably when they’re beginning out on their digital journey. So, if they’re on Fb, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok then it’s good to join, and spend time understanding the way it works. In the event that they love Minecraft, Fortnite or Amongst Us – you then now do too! I’m positive you’re determining the sample by now… 

Getting Concerned Means You’ll Earn Some Tech Cred 

I’m unsure the way it works for you however one factor that does NOT work for me is listening to recommendation from somebody who has no related expertise. To be sincere, it actually grinds my gears!! So, isn’t it logical that our teenagers would really feel the identical? I actually don’t assume we are able to count on them to take recommendation from us about on-line security if we’ve got no lived expertise. In my view, expertise = credibility.  

So, once you be part of Snapchat or Instagram not solely are you studying about your little one’s digital life however you’re additionally growing credibility which can simply be a very powerful ingredient in retaining your youngsters secure on-line. As a result of if and when your youngsters discover themselves in difficult state of affairs on-line, they are going to be much more prone to come to you with an issue in the event that they know you perceive the way it all works. 

Don’t Overlook – You’re The Position Mannequin 

Taylor Swift fandom is very large in Australia proper now. With many taking days off work to safe tickets to her upcoming exhibits and a scorching film launch, you’d be onerous pressed to search out many younger ladies who don’t assume she is the ‘bees knees’. And in case your sons are made eager Le Bron, Tom Brady or Nathan Cleary followers then they wouldn’t be alone – my sons are all in awe of those spectacular athletes. However regardless of all of the hype and the potential affect from these celebrities, I have to remind you of 1 crucial factor – you might be a very powerful position mannequin to your youngsters. You maintain the best affect of their determination making and worth setting. 

In case your youngsters see you utilizing the identical platforms they use in a wholesome, balanced approach – you then actually have a tonne of skill to assist them develop constructive digital habits. Your ‘tech cred’ will imply they’re much more prone to choose up in your habits. So, be sure to have a wholesome mixture of digital and non-digital actions into your life. Contemplate: 

• Common screen-free time in your day 
• Having a know-how free hour (or two) earlier than mattress 
• Banning telephones from the dinner desk 
• Placing your cellphone on silent to minimise distractions 
• Being ‘all in’ when you’re speaking to your youngsters and don’t choose up your cellphone. Give them your undivided consideration! 

Bear in mind, they’re watching and studying!!  

So, Do you Actually Want To Be part of Snapchat? 

Now, I don’t need to power you to do something that you’re not comfy with, however I do need you to know how finest to assist your youngsters of their digital life. To me, it’s fairly easy. No matter platform your youngsters spend the majority of their time on-line then that’s the place it’s good to spend your time too. You’ll develop credibility which implies they’re extra prone to come to you if they’ve a problem on-line. It additionally provides you a chance to mannequin well being digital habits which could be actually highly effective. So, in case your youngsters use Snapchat then sure – it’s good to be part of!!! All of the ‘know-how’ you amass whereas utilizing it is going to completely assist make you an ideal digital mum or dad.  

Until subsequent time 

Alex  

Introducing McAfee+

Id theft safety and privateness to your digital life

Obtain McAfee+ Now