SOCIAL MEDIA

Our recommendation is that children ages 11 and under should not be on any form of social media. We understand that many preteens and teenagers will choose to use social media and that parents will allow them to do so/ struggle to keep them off of it forever. If they do engage in social media, we recommend the following:

• Create an account for yourself on the same social media platform and having them as friends and the ability to see everything that they post.
• Actively check and monitor what your child is posting, and who they are following. Ensure that they do not have you on limited settings and have this as a condition of their engagement in whatever social media account.
  • Be especially aware over who is on commenting and liking your child’s posts, and who they are following– especially if they are non-mahrams. You can usually tell when something might be happening by who is liking and commenting on their posts the most.
• Have a discussion with a strict code of conduct and expectations for social media usage before your child starts to use any social media. You may want to sign a social media contract or use some of the points mentioned in this link.
• Passwords: Explain to them that trust is earned, and do not show a  complete lack of trust once they have signed the above contract. Instead, agree to the following:
  • Your child will write down all of the passwords to their social media, e-mail, and other accounts and keep them in a secret location that both of you are aware of. You should also promise not to check or use these passwords unless necessary and reserve the right to take the passwords if they use social media in an irresponsible manner or if you are ever worried about their safety and behaviour.