Web Safety NZ New Zealand Internet Safety
The Value of Social Networking Sites for Kids. At first you may be surprised! Encouraging kids to be on social networking sites? I know how busy our children’s lives can be between school, homework, after-school activities and friends. So you might wonder “when” I’d suggest your child would have time to be online.
Well, that time is any time your child has screen time available to them. Whether it’s the TV, the Xbox, computer, or “iDevice”, these are the screen-time opportunities you should seize to introduce your child to something that will inevitably be a part of their lives: social networking. All the more reason to take an involved and proactive approach so that you can help ensure your child has a healthy, positive, age-appropriate and safe experience.
While there are definite concerns, rules and regulations related to children on social networks, (i.e. general guidelines say they must be 13 to join the mainstream adult-intended networks like Facebook or MySpace) the benefits to your child can be rich and rewarding! The top benefits include:
- Education
- Digital Literacy
- Social Skills
- Shared Interests
- Validation and Acceptance
Education:
When your child is participating in a social network meant for them, they’re supplementing the education they receive in the classroom and at home. Whether it’s learning about “ways they can be green” or “fun facts about hermit crabs”, they’re learning. One New Zealand site that is not only safe and fun but also about the clean green environment is Minimonos. The site can be found at www.minimonos.com
Digital Literacy:
With our kids knowing more about technology typically than we do, you might wonder, what’s left for my kids to learn? Well, a lot. Whether it’s something simple like how to embed a video or how to download and create a photo album, there are important lessons to learn like “digital citizenship”, that are key to a positive experience. It’s why we teach our children to “be kind” to others online and “think before you post.” In the coming years, it won’t be just about consuming media; it will be about producing content, so it’s critical they have the skill set to do so.
Social Skills:
Fact is, our kids live digitally connected lives. Yes, there is less face-to-face, real-life interaction. Social networking, like it or not, is today’s version of hanging out. The fastest growing segment of online users are those 2 – 11 years of age. That’s why it’s important that our children learn how to apply their digital citizenship skills, which they’ve learned from us and sites just for kids, to help them safely navigate these online social waters. One New Zealand site excellent for first time internet users aged 2 upward is Hectors World. This site is powered by NetSafe, is safe and well monitored. Your child will learn about internet safety in a fun underwater environment. Find it at www.hectorsworld.com
Shared Interests:
There isn’t a more rewarding experience than sharing your interest or expertise in social networks. Our children can showcase their talents, publicize and distribute it to their online friends, and become a micro expert.
Validation and Acceptance:
Kids using SAFE social networking sites such as those mentioned above, or those signed up through school such as www.superclubsplus.com often make new friends. They have the opportunity to express their creativity. In doing so they will find other children asking how they may have completed a particular challenge. Each of our children is unique. They deserve the validation and acceptance they can get on social networks because of who they are, as well as the acceptance and commonality they will find when in the right environment.