When my friend Emma bought her son his first cell phone, she tried to explain the immense power that device held. The vastness of his potential audience was hard for him to grasp—like how kids in cartoons sometimes just hear that adult mumble. But here’s the thing: our kids are not the only ones diving into this digital world. Recently, President Barack Obama joined Twitter, and his account offers a fantastic opportunity to teach our tweens about social media.
Who better to illustrate these lessons than a former President? Here are five crucial things your tween should know about navigating social media.
1. You Can Reach a Lot of People
Obama’s Twitter account set a world record by reaching 1 million followers in less than five hours! That’s lightning-fast compared to Robert Downey Jr., who took almost 24 hours. With just a handful of tweets, Obama already had over 2 million followers. This means that when your child opens a social media account, they’re not just chatting with friends; they’re potentially communicating with millions. While platforms like Instagram and Facebook have privacy settings, any comment they make opens them up to a wider audience.
2. There Are Some Scary People Online
Within moments of launching his Twitter, Obama was met with a slew of hateful comments—reminding us that social media can be a dark place. Sadly, there are many individuals online who thrive on negativity. It’s essential for your tween to recognize that not everyone online has good intentions.
3. Nothing Disappears from the Internet
While the Secret Service monitors the President’s online presence, regular tweens aren’t so lucky. Once something is posted online, it can linger forever, potentially impacting future job prospects or relationships. Be mindful of what you share. Remember, those embarrassing photos can come back to haunt you—trust me, I’ve been there!
4. Social Media Can Be Fun
Let’s face it—social media isn’t all doom and gloom! It can be a blast. Engaging with your favorite chefs or celebrities can brighten your day. I once got a shoutout from a Food Network star on Instagram, and it made my week! Social platforms can help you connect with friends, share interests, and even make new ones—sometimes even with people you never meet in person.
5. Stay Informed and Inspired
Obama follows 65 different accounts, from colleges to sports teams. As a non-President, your tween can follow their favorite shows, musicians, and even mentors. This helps them stay updated and draw inspiration from various sources. There’s a lot of positivity out there, too!
Do kids need guidance in this tricky online landscape? Absolutely! But will they always welcome your advice? Probably not! The best strategy is to let them know you’re keeping an eye on their online activity—not out of distrust, but because the world can be unpredictable. Once they see those Obama follower numbers, they might just understand where you’re coming from.
For more insights into family planning and navigating these modern challenges, check out our post about the home insemination kit. And if you’re curious about fertility, Science Daily offers excellent resources on the topic.
In summary, social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but it comes with risks. Equip your tween with the knowledge they need to navigate this digital landscape, and remind them that a little guidance goes a long way.