Do your children use social media? Not sure? How to protect them | Lifestyles

STATEPOINT MEDIA – While most social media apps require ages over 13, this hasn’t stopped many younger kids from opening accounts, according to new research.

The recently published national survey by the CS Mott Children’s Hospital on Child Health found that 49% of parents from children ages 10 to 12 and 32% of parents of children ages 7 to 9 say their child uses social media. In addition, not all parents monitor their children’s activities in these apps due to a number of factors, such as:ols, not having time.

“The use of social media poses a number of potential safety threats to children. As more children use social media at a younger age, it is critical that parents ensure their safety and teach them how to use responsible digital and social media,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing at Eturi Corp., maker of OurPact, a lead parental control and screen time app.

Does your child use social media? Not sure? According to Havner, there are a few ways you can keep them safe on social networks Media apps and other websites:

• Open communication: Keep the lines of communication with your child open. Listening and being respectful will encourage your child to be honest with you about their social media use and what they are experiencingfrom online.

• Set parameters: Regardless of whether you only allow your child to use educational social media apps or enforce a strict moratorium until they reach a certain age, set parameters that make sense for youour child and stay with them.

• Set a schedule: Don’t let digital devices overwhelm your family life. Setting up a digital timetable can help children have time for homework, after school, and time with family. Practice what you are preaching and set a good digital example.

• Use Caution: Before allowing your child to create an account on a particular social media app, take a close look at the app to make sure it is appropriate for their age group and individual level of maturity.

• Get Help: A parental control app like OurPact can help you set a digital schedule, block inappropriate apps and websites, set up security filters, and even get screenshots of digital activity. No matter how busy you are, new improvements make it easy for you to get a grip on your child’s social media usage. With the ability to create custom profiles, you can customize rules based on your child’s age and other considerations. to Please visit ourpact.com for more information.

“Although many school systems include digital safety and literacy in the curriculum, parents should fill the gaps by introducing children to smart digital habits and using new tools and resources that keep children safe,” says Havner.