Social media networks have created a whole new area in terms of personal connectivity. We can keep in touch with people across the world at the touch of a button. What would have once taken months now takes a second if not less. A letter across the globe was once the only way of doing keeping in contact, the telephone made it more feasible but what with the insane costs this was never really practical. Social media and programs like Skype have made it incredibly simple to keep in contact with anyone and everyone who’s important to us with an absolute minimum of effort.
There isn’t a single thing in the world which is all pro and no con. Everything comes with a downside and with something as complex as social media then downside’s going to be complex too. When I was younger the tricky subject for my parents was at what age I should have a mobile phone. I didn’t get one until I was 13. I’ve seen kids younger than five with phones now. It’s become so normal and seen as so necessary that parents will only let their kids out if they’ve got their phones. But what age should kids today be allowed to join social media?
It’s not just an online society of people you like after all. There are less than desirable individuals too, just like there are in life. Parents don’t like posting family pictures because they’re unsure who can view them and this is a very real concern. Websites like Facebook are known to share images. At the end of the day you need to think along the lines of probabilities. Yes your child could be targeted online, but they could also be targeted walking down the street. Providing you act as your child’s internet guide, showing them what’s safe to do and what isn’t then they should be fine. Stranger danger online is just as important as it is in the real world. A whole new set of concerns should breed a whole new set of safety guidelines!
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