Four Reminders for Families Navigating the Internet and Social Media
I write books about kids navigating the world — friendships, new beginnings, and finding the courage to be themselves. So when I was invited to sit on a panel with fellow children’s authors to discuss kids and social media, it felt like a natural extension of the conversations I’m already having on the page.
Before the panel, I shared these thoughts with my newsletter community. The response was wonderful, and it confirmed that this conversation is one worth continuing.
As educators, parents, caregivers, and community members, social media is on a lot of our minds. And it should be. Here are four reminders I’ve found useful and that we discussed with our panel audience.
1. Teach kids to be good digital citizens.
The internet is a public space, and how we show up there matters. Remind the kids in your life to be kind, don’t say anything online they wouldn’t say in person; prioritize safety—keep accounts private, never share passwords, and don’t click unknown links; and, when it comes to information, always check the source. If you can’t verify the information with a second credible source, don’t share it.
2. Set family guidelines together.
Rules without reasons feel arbitrary. When kids understand why a boundary exists, they’re more likely to respect it. As the adult, you have life experience that they don’t. Share your concerns openly. Include them in the conversation. Guidelines built together are more likely to stick.
3. Talk about the good stuff, too.
The internet isn’t all bad. Find online spaces that are safe, engaging, and enjoyable for your child. When kids have somewhere good to go, they’re less likely to wander somewhere they shouldn’t. Extra points if you can enjoy it together.
4. Be the example.
No matter what we say, our kids are always watching. Our own habits with screens, social media, and how we treat others online speak louder than any rule we set. This one’s a good reminder for all of us. Let’s show the kids in our lives what it means to be good digital citizens.
A thought to sit with:
Here’s a comparison I keep coming back to: think of giving a child a device as giving a child medication. Both can be powerful tools for good. Both can also do damage when overused, unsupervised, or handed over without clear guidance. We wouldn’t hand a child a bottle of medication and walk away. Let’s apply that same principle to a tablet, smartphone, and laptop.
This topic sparked a great conversation — with my subscribers and on the panel. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What’s one reminder you’d add? What’s working in your household or school? What are you still figuring out? Send me a message. The more we share, the better equipped we all are.
