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Follow your children on social media; it’s not spying
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BEING the Middle School Technology Coach at Shanghai American School and having a 13-year-old daughter, I witness many facets of mobile devices — their positives and negatives. As a parent, I am at times frustrated by the amount of time my daughter spends on her device, then astounded a minute later at the creativity she can show when sharing. As a teacher, the creativity and efficient use of iPads, iPhones and Androids, combined with the blazing speed in which these devices allow students to complete their tasks, is mind-boggling. We truly have reached an age where mobility is enhancing our productivity.
When talking to our school community about social media, I address many concerns with parents. One of the “take aways” I speak about is: “Follow” your children on all the major social networks. It’s not spying; you follow friends, colleagues, and on some sites complete strangers, so following your child on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Vine, Ask, Yik Yak and others is a must and should be part of your agreement when allowing your child to use a smart device.
Most of the time, our children receive their phone or tablet from parents. Children need to understand that it’s ultimately our device they are using, they are “loaning” it from us. Thinking like this allows parents to change their mindset and remember they are in control. Knowing your child’s user names (they are most likely different for each site) is very important too. Don’t try searching for them, ask your child for their user name. Make it part of the deal.
In our family, we are vigilant about images taken on our phones. I am constantly worried about what my daughter views on sites, and shoots. However, this isn’t something I discuss with her, we have just shaped our ideology and have made it a game on Instagram. Who can be more artistic? What different angles can I shoot of the Nanpu Bridge? This has changed photography into an art game in our house. My favorite Instagram filter is “lowfi.”
It’s all about creating content these days. While there are many games that we can lose ourselves in, creating an image, movie or soundscape is golden. Let your child know when you’ve viewed their content, by a “like” or “thumbs up,” however, do not make a comment that’s more than one word in length, and never correct their spelling online. This will not build trust.
(Simon Power is facilitator of Tech Resource at Shanghai American School, Pudong campus.)
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