What You Need to Know as a Parent About Social Media

I know that a lot of middle school students are interested in joining, if not already a member of many social media sites. While technology is growing in leaps and bounds of being able to connect people who share similar interests, talents, and learning opportunities it has great potential for pushing us beyond our own expectations and boundaries. It is these boundaries, however, that we must protect. Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, Pinterest, Instant Messenger and Facebook are just a few examples of the many sites out there that attract young people. As a parent it is important to talk to our children about Social Awareness. Many colleges, universities, and employers often look at social media sites when reviewing applications. For employers, there is a certain credibility for applicants to be using social media, but it must be used correctly. Informing teens about digital imprinting is important. Teens need to know that as they use online communications they are leaving traceable trails leading to themselves. It is important for kids to know never to share their passwords with anyone else, to block and report anyone who sends them inappropriate communications, and to remember not to believe everything that they read online. Having a social media contract and setting parental controls on your internet helps to send the message to children about the dangers and impact of their actions on these social sites.

For more information check out these sites:

• OnguardOnline.gov (which includes a guide for adults called Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids About Being Online)
• WiredSafety.org
• TRUSTe.org
• ConnectSafely.org
• NetSmartz.org

Call 24/7: 1-800-273-TALK (8255

Provides a variety of services to promote healthy living in our community.  Speak with the counselor for more information.

StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

Girl Talk is an international non-profit peer-to-peer mentoring program with a very simple premise: high school girls mentor middle school girls to help them deal with the issues they face during their formative early teenage years. Our mission is to help young teenaged girls build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and recognize the value of community service. 

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented youth. As a world leader in gifted and talented education, Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential.

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.

Loveisrespect.org is a national, 24-hour resource designed specifically for teens and young adults, loveisrespect is the ultimate resource to engage, educate and empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse. 

Family Services understands that a healthy individual is the first ingredient to a healthy family. Our Counseling Program provides professional, solution-oriented counseling to children, youth, individuals, couples and families. Counseling services cover a myriad of problems and personal or family challenges that require anything from short-term counseling to referrals for social services to longer-term treatment. 
Call 409-833-2668 ext. 100 to make a counseling appointment.

STAR provides counseling and support to children and teenagers with a history of juvenile delinquency, running away, family conflict and more. Services are free of charge and available in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties. For more information, call Buckner STAR at 409-861-0582 or 1-800-929-7828. (Funded in part by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)

Elijah’s Place is a program that provides ongoing grief support services to children, ages 5 to 18, who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling.