HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — It’s that time of year again! As students head back to school, local law enforcement have some tips for keeping everyone safe online and in the classroom.
While it may seem like second nature to post everything on social media — from back-to-school outfits and beyond — it’s always best to make sure you’re not posting too much information.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office shares the following social media safety tips for parents:
Avoid Personal Information
Don’t include details like your child’s full name, school name, or teacher’s name in your posts. This helps keep their personal information secure.
Be Mindful of Location
Avoid tagging specific locations or posting photos with visible school signs or addresses. Keep the focus on the moment, not the location.
Share Selectively
Consider who can see your posts. Adjust privacy settings so that only close friends and family can view your updates.
Focus on the Fun
Celebrate the joy and excitement of the first day with sweet, generic posts that capture the spirit of the occasion without compromising safety.
In regards to students using social media, data collected in 2022 by the Pew Research Center shows three-quarters of teens use social media sites like YouTube every day and that around 20% use social sites “nearly constantly.” The American Psychological Association offers advice for parents looking to have more conversations with their children about social media use:
Recognize developing brains may be especially vulnerable to specific social media features.
Limit social media use on platforms that include counts of likes or encourage excessive use.
Monitor and discuss your child’s social media use.
Talk to your teen weekly about how social media platforms work so they feel safe telling you about their experiences without judgment.
Model healthy social media use.
Discuss how and why you use social media with your children. Set limits for social media use for yourselves and encourage your children to follow your example.
Watch for problematic social media use.
If you are concerned your child is dependent on social media or using it in unhealthy ways, consider enforcing new limits around accessing this technology.