If you have read my last two posts on Setting Limits you know we have tackled setting up limits on your child's device, choosing an internet browser with safe search options, and gotten after YouTube's filters, now comes the BIG question...
How do you restrict content and set limits on Social Media?
First, the good news. When you set up their devices with parental controls you have an option to limit their time on social media. Your child's device will blackout these types of accounts once they hit their limit. In my house that is an hour a day for kids aged 13+.
Now, the more complicated part...how do you control the content they see in the time frame you've set up? And, how do you make sure that strangers do not have access to them through the apps?
The short answer is that it is VERY hard to control the content on social media. That is because the content is only created moments before it is available for viewing. The apps themselves monitor content but can't do much until they are notified of something that is against their (often lax) policies. Each app has a "report" feature but that only does a limited amount of good once you've seen the questionable content.
You can make sure that your child's accounts are set to private, however, and that is something that everyone should do right away so that the content they post is not attracting unwanted attention.
PRIVACY SETTINGS
INSTAGRAM:
Proflie>Options>Account>Privacy<Private Account
Location defaults to off but will ask you if you want to turn it on when you post a picture.
Your child can change these settings at any time. You may choose to share an account with your child so you both have access to the same settings and they have accountability in their actions. I have three Instagram accounts in my family. A new feature released last month blocks users over 18 years of age from contacting accounts of children under the age of 18 through Direct Message (DM). Instagram is relying on users to give their accurate age when signing up. The best bet is still a private account.
SNAPCHAT
Profile Pic (top left)>Settings Icon (top right)>WHO CAN..>Contact Me/View My Story/See My Location/See Me in Quick Add
Snapchat defaults to "Friends or those you've added" which is good, but make sure the settings are where you want them. In my opinion, you want them to say, My Friends or Only Me. If your child has a phone number make sure you click on it also and turn off the "let others find me" option. I would also click Notification and turn them off. Note: Your child can change these back at any time so a, "trust but verify", policy is very important.
TIKTOK:
Me icon>three dots (top right)>Privacy>Toggle to Private Account
There is a unique feature in TikTok that allows you to set up Family Pairing. This will join your account to your child's account, allow you to set restricted mode, and set time limits within the app itself.
Family Pairing> +AddAccount> you will be directed to open your child's account and scan the QR code provided.
CONTENT SETTINGS
Even though we can't monitor content by changing the settings of an app there are still many things we can do as parents to make sure the content on our kid's devices is as safe as possible.
- Friend Them
- Link Accounts
- Encourage Open Conversations
- Only Allow Social Media on Computers
- Check Their Search History
- View Their Profile
- Use Apps like Bark ($) or KidLogger (Free)
For more on each of these ideas check out this article from Mom.com. We use a "trust but verify" model at our house. Kids need to know, as an excuse when they are tempted, that you may randomly ask for their device. I tell my kids I do it as a favor so that when they are tempted they can think or say, "better not, mom may check my phone."
For more information on Snapchat and Pornography, click here.
Good luck my friends!
