Signal Winter 2021 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 13 them to always think before they post, so they won’t say something they’ll regret later. Be Aware of the Risks While social media can provide wonderful opportunities for young people to con- nect with friends and express themselves through photos and videos, there are also potential risks. Some social networks use technologies that may not be right for younger children or allow them to engage with communities made up of much older people. For safety’s sake, keep the following factors in mind: • Many sites include an instant message function that allows private conversa- tions between site members. • Information shared between friends can be easily copied and spread quickly online. It isn’t easy to take back infor- mation after it’s been posted, and it can be impossible if it’s already been shared. • Not everyone your child meets online will be who they say they are. Chat- rooms and forums can connect people who are complete strangers and can be unmoderated. These are also some of the places online groomers go to con- nect with children, so make sure your child understands these dangers and stays away from these spaces. Keep Talking and Stay Connected Online security experts recommend that parents maintain open conversations with their children about the social media accounts they use and the potential risks involved with them. They also suggest following your children on social media, but don’t be too invasive. Keep a mini- malistic presence by only commenting occasionally, since teens want to have privacy and avoid embarrassment among their peers. You also need to trust your child. As much as you want to protect them, sometimes the best thing you can do is educate them fully on the potential dangers of social media and then take a step back. 1 www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/ parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens Social Media Options for Younger Children If your child under 13 is eager to partici- pate in social media, consider the safer options below. They offer child-friendly features and can be used as a teaching tool about sharing safely. GromSocial (gromsocial.com ) Children can safely record and edit videos or create art to upload to other children around the world. The app has filters to remove inappropriate language and parents can monitor a child’s activity with the MamaBear companion app. Kidzworld (kidzworld.com ) This moderated social network began in 2001 as a hub for kids and teens to safely express their free-spirited selves. It offers content including a 24/7 kids chat room, forums, movie reviews, games, quizzes, and videos. PopJam (popjam.com ) Designed for children ages 7-12, PopJam is a safe community where they can join Groups, follow influencers, play quizzes and games, create art, use filters and stickers, and connect with other Pop- Jammers who like the same things. Spotlite (gospotlite.com) Formerly called Kudos, Spotlite was created to offer a safer, bully-free space. Content Moderators are on duty 24/7 to review shared photos, comments, and captions.