The internet has become a vast and unpredictable landscape, akin to the Wild West, filled with both opportunities and risks. As parents, it is our responsibility to equip our adolescents with the necessary tools and frameworks to navigate this digital world safely. Instead of relying solely on vague warnings like “Be careful!” or “Make wise choices!”, we need to establish clear guidelines grounded in family values.
In light of these considerations, I drafted a social media agreement for my 13-year-old son, Alex. After he started using Instagram on his birthday and shared a photo that raised concerns, it became evident that a structured agreement would not only clarify expectations but also minimize potential conflicts about the rules. Having a signed document by both the parents and the child eliminates ambiguity.
Here are the terms of the agreement:
- I commit to keeping my social media accounts set to “private” at all times.
- I will only post images that include myself or my friends’ faces and will not share pictures of body parts. This is to protect my well-being and avoid inappropriate sexualization by strangers.
- I agree not to share any sexualized content, which includes images or gestures that could be perceived as sexual in nature.
- I will treat myself and others with respect in the content I create and share. This means refraining from mockery, gossip, or revealing private information.
- For my safety, I will not disclose my precise location in posts, such as stating, “I am at the park with friends.”
- If I receive any threatening or inappropriate messages, I promise to inform an adult family member immediately.
- I will not seek out or view pornography. While I recognize that sex is a natural part of adult life, I understand that pornography can be damaging to my emotional health. I will stop watching if I inadvertently come across such material.
- I acknowledge that everything I share online is permanent, even if deleted. I understand that knowledgeable individuals can recover deleted content, and that future employers or acquaintances may find my online history.
- During family time, I agree to put away all devices, including my phone.
- I will occasionally participate in “Internet blackouts.” If I show signs of needing a break—such as irritability or disengagement from family activities—my parents may ask me to refrain from using devices for a day or two.
- All technology usage, including phones, will cease by 8:00 PM unless I have requested and received permission for an exception.
- If I breach any terms of this agreement, I understand that my social media access may be revoked for a period determined by my parents, who implement these rules out of love and care for my well-being.
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In summary, setting clear expectations through a social media agreement is essential for guiding teens in their online interactions, ensuring they understand the importance of privacy, respect, and safety. By fostering open communication about these topics, we can help our children navigate the digital world responsibly.