Parenting & Social Media
For many growing up, the age of consent is 18. Yet many social media platforms allow children as young as 13 to participate. As such, much of the information in social media may not be filtered or appropriate. The debate of this social media entry age continues today, and for parents, it presents numerous challenges to monitor and restrain children in social media usage. There are pros and cons to zero tolerance and allowing children to participate. Consider the many challenges as you answer this week’s questions.
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
- What are ways a parent could encourage their child to curtail smartphone usage protocols and amount of time?,
- Would you use a reward structure or no reward?,
- What are ways to monitor children’s behavior on their social media accounts?,
- How can you find their accounts if they have dozens of emails used to set them up?,
- How can a child’s use of social media impact their relationship with their parents?,
- How can a parent’s use of social media impact their relationship with their children?
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What are ways a parent could encourage their child to curtail smartphone usage, protocols, and amount of time?, Would you use a reward structure or no reward?, What are ways to monitor children’s behavior on their social media accounts?, How can you find their accounts if they have dozens of emails used to set them up?, How can a child’s use of social media impact their relationship with their parents?, How can a parent’s use of social media impact their relationship with their children?
Response (General, 175+ words)
Parents can encourage children to reduce smartphone usage by setting clear expectations and modeling healthy digital habits themselves. Establishing daily or hourly limits, scheduling “phone-free” times during meals or family activities, and creating device-free bedrooms at night can help children develop balanced routines. Using a reward structure can be effective, especially for younger teens—screen time earned by completing chores, homework, or physical activities makes technology feel more like a privilege than a default. However, some families prefer no reward, instead teaching intrinsic self-regulation and discussing how excessive use affects sleep, grades, and emotional well-being. Whichever approach is used, consistency and communication are key.
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