In modern life nowadays, social media seems to be inseparable from life in the "present" era. Not only parents, now many children also have their own social media accounts. The reason parents make social media accounts for children is very diverse, for example, only to share with family and friends, for fun, even some who want to make the child famous. That’s what makes children also want to have their own social media accounts.
However, what you need to realize is that the use of social media has many impact for children’s life. Before making an account for a child, first understand the impact of social media such as Instagram, Facebook, or even YouTube.
1. Is the child ready or not?
Before giving access to create their own account, pay attention first whether your child is really ready and able to be responsible. Ironically, most parents do not pay attention to the readiness of their child before entering the virtual world. In fact, a survey conducted stated that many children under the age of 13 already have at least one social account.
Most children who are very young don't have a mature mindset. They only know that having a social account will make it look cool, and what they write will be seen by many people. They do not understand correctly that every people act must have its own consequences, including in cyberspace.
For example, children send humbling comments to a celebrity. They have not yet realized that what they are doing is an act of cyber bullying, which can harm others and themselves. Or the worst case, he uploads his personal photo that is not appropriate at the encouragement of his online friends, or because he imitates his idol who poses like that.
2. Every social media has an age limit for its users
Pay attention to the type of social media that your child will use. Because, each social media must have its own policies in determining the age of its users. On average, social media requires users to be at least 18 years old to be able to create an account. For social media like Facebook and Twitter, someone can open an account when they are at least 13 years old.
But of course you still have to monitor your child when using social media. Even better, you accompany them when opening an account. It would be better if you first browse and use the social media account, to see if it is right for your little one to use.
3. Make strict rules
Social media is not as bad as most parents imagine, how come! There are various benefits that your child can get when you become an active users in the virtual world (as long as you are responsible). For example, social media platforms like Instagram and Youtube can help hone children's creativity by looking at ideas from existing content, or simply interacting with people out there who have the same likes.
However, if the use is not considered, it will certainly cause more adverse effects. Therefore, parents must make strict rules when children use social media, such as:
- Use private settings
Create a safe little social media account by setting privacy on his account. Usually, on some social media there are special settings that automatically create social media accounts that will not bring up adult content or violence.
-If necessary, make a schedule for use a social media
Sometimes children forget the time when they entered the social network. This can interfere with study time and sleep time. In fact, excessive social use of media has been associated with the development of depression, insomnia, and antisocial. Therefore, you must strictly implement the schedule of use. Limit only 1.5 to two hours a day for children to use social media freely. The limit of safe duration has been approved by many experts.
-Know all your friends and what he does in cyberspace
By following his social media account, you will more easily to monitoring your child's activities when they uses social media. Also tell them that they must avoid making friends with strangers, preferably accepting friendships from friends, family and familiar relatives
Sources:
https://www.republika.co.id/berita/gaya-hidup/parenting/17/03/19/on28jh368-bahaya-anak-di-bawah-umur-punya-akun-medsos
http://www.parenting.co.id/usia-sekolah/wajib+diketahui+tentang+media+sosial+untuk+anak
https://hellosehat.com/parenting/tips-parenting/batas-usia-anak-punya-media-sosial/
https://theurbanmama.com/articles/perlukah-membuat-akun-media-sosial-untuk-anak-254612.html
https://schoolofparenting.id/bikin-akun-sosial-media-untuk-anak-perlukah/