The issue that concerns me is the education of our children using social media. I am not aware of any education besides telling our children to be careful about what they post and who they talk to. The platform has taken off in many directions from interacting through games or social media platforms. Children from an early age have the ability to use technology and communicate with this technology probably better than most adults. But, where is the education on proper etiquette, the limitations of the system, or even the digital footprint that is being left? I have told my children to be careful what you post or say because it never goes away and someone can always find it if they want to look hard enough. Our children have become in some cases addicted to their social media and have no clue how to talk to another person or how to socialize with someone outside their social media circle. We are losing the human factor with social media.
The education regarding how to talk socially is also an issue. Children feel that they can say whatever is on their minds and remain anonymous. We have not taught our children how to properly communicate through these platforms. We have taught other skills to our children but missed the mark here. Children need to understand that words, pictures, and reposting information do have consequences. This year at the middle school registration the administration gave a talk to each student about social media and how they need to make sure what is posted cannot come back and hurt them or someone else. This is the first time I have heard this talk given to any student. This conversation lasted maybe a minute which I believe is not long enough. That is why these talks need to happen a home. We teach our children how to drive a car and the rules of the road. We even give them a period of time to practice before setting them free with the car. But, with social media, we do not educate our children to protect them from the dangers that are out on the World Wide Web.