MON I TOR A ND DI SCUSS.
Go through your child’s electronic devices, review texts, photos
and profiles. Make sure all of your child’s friends are people
she actually knows in real life. Is she interested in downloading
a particular app? Review it with her and discuss any red flags
or concerns you have. CommonSenseMedia.org is a useful
resource for helping you make educated decisions about
different apps, sites and games.
S TRI KE A BA L A N CE .
Extracurricular activies like sports, scouts, theater and 4-H give children
many opportunities to develop presentation and leadership skills and
offer a healthy balance between online and offline interaction.
Empower your child with the skills to manage social media with
confidence and poise and she’ll enjoy the multiple advantages of
exercising her creativity and voice while making savvy decisions
when it comes to interacting with others online.
Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance journalist and the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful
Communicator in a Digital World. To learn more, visit www.christamelnykhines.com.
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