Updated: August 5, 2016
Originally Published: July 7, 2015
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and more have become ubiquitous in our lives. Just this morning, I was reminded via a Timehop notification that my kids are growing up in a digital world—not by their choice, but largely due to my habit of sharing their pictures (both the heartwarming and the chaotic), their adorable quips, the messes they create, and my own parenting triumphs and blunders.
Our children belong to the first generation whose lives are entirely documented online, creating a new reality for parenting. The choices we make as parents could have significant and lasting impacts on our kids, whether we realize it or not. And this is just the beginning of their digital journey.
At 13, they’ll be legally allowed to create social media accounts thanks to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Unfortunately, this tech-savvy generation doesn’t have the luxury of making typical teenage mistakes without the world being instantly aware. Just a moment is all it takes to snap a photo or record a video of an unwise decision, upload it, and tag everyone involved—all from a smartphone.
Mistakes are part of growing up, especially during those tumultuous teenage years. However, the difference now is that these errors can follow our kids online indefinitely. Once they’re out there, it’s arduous to erase them. It’s disheartening to think that our kids may have a harder time making the trivial mistakes we all did.
In my youth, I experienced countless blunders—awkward fashion choices, questionable dating decisions, and silly comments. These moments shaped me, giving me battle scars that contributed to my character. Today, those same scars can be immortalized online, often without regard for the consequences.
Most of my past errors didn’t jeopardize my career, but for my kids, the stakes could be higher. Colleges and employers frequently turn to social media for insights into potential candidates, meaning our posts can have significant implications. And as online dating becomes a norm, our children might find their digital footprint scrutinized even before they meet someone for coffee.
So, how do we guide our kids in this new landscape? We remind them that the world has changed since we were young—an age-old truth shared by parents through the generations. We stress the importance of being cautious online and advise against sharing personal information or accepting friend requests from strangers. While social media is a reality they must navigate, we promise to watch over them like hawks, aware of all the tricks (like secret accounts where Mom isn’t a friend).
We also reassure them that mistakes are okay; everyone makes them. If one of those blunders happens to go viral—whether it’s a small-town sensation or an online hit—we’ll tackle it together when it arises. Above all, we want them to know that our love is unconditional, regardless of their missteps.
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In summary, as we raise children in a digital age, we must adapt our guidance to help them navigate the complexities of social media while reminding them that everyone makes mistakes.