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If TikTok memes and tutorials have taken over your dinner table conversation?when you can get your teen to look up from their phone, that is?you are not alone. A full 87 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds in Canada use social media and 76 percent of them prefer to get their video content online rather than a traditional method, according to a survey by Media Technology Monitor.
As parents, it can be hard to let our teens embrace the world of apps, social media and online content. In an effort to protect them, our minds often turn to the worst. What if they stumble on something inappropriate for their age" Could they be bullied" Or pressured to post things that could cause them harm later on"
Deep breaths, parents. Social media, entertainment platforms and other content apps can be a positive aspect of your kid?s life. With some help from these tips, you will help your teen stay safe?and thrive?online. Know the landscape: It?s hard to protect your kids from the unknown. That?s why experts suggest downloading and getting accounts for the apps they use. ?You need to become familiar and understand what you’re working with so that when you have conversations with your families, it makes sense to everyone,? says Tracy Elizabeth, global policy lead for minor safety at TikTok. “Learn the rules, learn the tools and learn how to respond when or if things start to feel a little sticky.”
Understand the risks: Over the years,...