If your kids are ready to join the social media bandwagon, but you are completely lost when it comes to the new apps trending among teens then it’s time to learn about how to help your children stay safe in the digital world.
According to a We are Social study, the number of social network users in India was nearly 191 million in Q1 2017 and is expected to rise tremendously
These figures should be a wakeup call to us parents. Your child is or will soon become a social media user and you need to know everything there is to know about these platforms in time to guide them. We don't want to wait for another Blue Whale Challenge, Sarahah app or the new 48-hour challenge. These games are now becoming the new faces of cyberbullying to jolt us out of our comfort zones.
The only way to teach is to know and therefore it is important for you to stay ahead and learn about popular social media apps that your child is likely to use.
Indian kids are on Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, YouTube, and Hike. I am sure you are familiar with Facebook and WhatsApp, lets quickly refresh our memory about the rest:
Instagram: It started out as a photo and video sharing app that allows users to tweak and filter pics before sharing. Now users can also send messages, stickers, conduct polls on stories and connect with like-minded users. The instant feedback users receive can be a real ‘feel-good’ factor.
YouTube: This one is a favourite with gamers, home chefs, amateur artists and comedians. Users upload their videos for general or select viewing and can subscribe to channels of their preference.
Snapchat: This app created waves when it launched because it allows users to capture videos and pictures that self-destruct after a few seconds. However, it’s good to remember that receivers can take screenshots and save pics
For all these apps, signing up is easy. Just download the app, create a strong password and use a comprehensive security software with a password manager.
What are the privacy and security options recommended? First, ensure that your children meet the minimum age criteria to join any of the social media accounts. Then, be sure to share general safety tips like the ones below.
Nowadays, we get inundated with new trends on social media, which frequently create a frenzy among kids. A bit of awareness, frequent communication and supervision can help us ensure their cyber safety along with making us a cool cyber-savvy parent.
Next time your kids go online, take the opportunity to engage more with them and show off your social media skills.
Dell PC Literacy Days is a technology awareness initiative by Dell to commemorate the World PC Literacy Day on December 2nd. Through this programme, Dell aims at empowering and educating potential users on the benefits of owning a PC for existing as well as future users.
McAfee Cybermum India is a thought leader in the digital space who shares important information on matters of cybersecurity with parents and individuals. She is a great influence and resource for those who want to become technology savvy.
As appeared originally on McAfee Cybermum India's blog.
Aarambh is a pan-India PC for Education initiative engineered to enhance learning using the power of technology; it is designed to help parents, teachers and children find firm footing in Digital India. This initiative seeks to connect parents, teachers and students and provide them the necessary training so that they can better utilise the PC for learning, both at school and at home.
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