Parenting Tweens and Teens these days is not for the faint of heart! What are the most common Social Media apps being used by students in the East Bay? What should I be looking for as a parent when I monitor their Internet use? How do I keep my student safe but also teach them discernment to make their own good choices online? Come hear from a parent and local high school Dean about what's current and popular right now, as well as what's tripping up even our "good kids". We'll close the night with a laundry list of practical steps you can take, and tailor to your family's situation, in the area of Internet Safety and Social Media Awareness. 

GEMs of Wisdom from “Likes, Followers & Snaps...Oh My!!"  by Cindy Pearsall, Dean of Women at Berean Christian High School

Social media and internet are daunting realms.  Truthfully, there is probably more going on with our kids than we realize.  Even if it’s not about our kids’ behavior online, it’s about their exposure to what’s online.

Cindy offered us many specifics along with strategies to shepherd our sons and daughters.   To learn more, it’s important to discuss the content in depth with a mom who attended GEM. 

Even the “good” kids can be undermined online.   When boys act inappropriately online it’s often mocking, sexual innuendo,  vulgar, racist, or derogatory language.   Girls tend to obsess over outward appearances of perfection where their value becomes based on the exterior, which then becomes reinforced or undermined by comments about their posts.  

Cindy’s encouragement was for us to develop a three part mindset to navigate social media and internet alongside our kids.  

1) Rather than be overwhelmed or doubting, remember it was YOU that taught your kids how to tie their shoes and how to cross a street.  Don’t give up now.  YOU are wise. Reminder:  Your kid may know more about the internet, but YOU know more about life and consequences.  

2) Parents tend to regret giving kids access to internet too early.   Therefore, grant freedoms and privileges incrementally based on earned trust.

3) Teach your teen HOW to think.  Discernment comes from asking questions such as these:  Does it glorify God?  Will it cause another believer to stumble? How will it effect unbelievers?  Is your testimony strengthened or undermined by posting this online?  Does this encourage or build-up others?  Is this a good use of your time?

Strategies to limit unhealthy exposure:

Insist on passwords.  Develop a family contract about appropriate use and consequences.  Regularly monitor your kids phone, either with an understanding that you will be checking or do it privately.  Follow your kids on their social media apps. Suggest an online accountability partner.  Consider content filters.  Require parental permission for eachperson kids “follow” or are “following.” No screens in bedroom.  Turn wifi off at night.  Have a central charging station for devices.  Give fellow moms permission to report concerns to you.  Ask great questions of your sons and daughters.  Enter into their world and speak wisdom.

Moms, do your best and stay the course.  Speak truth, love your teens, and take heart that social media and internet are not surprises to God.  He’s still got this! 

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 1:6