Social networks are part of the current normality, society, communicates, relates and shares through the network. Most of the people have one or more of these famous platforms to share, be it photos, small videos or moments of the day to day. Even younger children make use of this type of technology without being really aware of the dangers that the networks hide.
If you think your children are ready for use social media in a responsible way, it is very important that you also explain what the dangers are to those who are exposed. Because for most kids, that way of sharing every part of their life is fun, it's a way of meeting people and gaining popularity. But it also makes them vulnerable to dangers completely unknown to them.
The main dangers of social networks
The main risk exists in that, everything that is uploaded to the network remains on the network forever. All the information, photographs, your personal data that you have been able to share on certain platforms. In short, everything you upload to the Internet is indelible. Even for people with great computer skills, there is data that is impossible to erase.
Do you think it is not possible? Think about the number of times an image is shared on the Internet, the same one that you see one day on a social network, you can see it again every month in a different one. Even those images that are free to use because they are on the Internet, can be used by different means. Sometimes They can be used in an innocent way, but you never know who is hiding behind a profile.
On the other hand, for anyone it can be very easy to identify certain data that would seriously jeopardize privacy of the boys. In any detail you can find a street, the name of a school and even the address itself. Which would not only put the identity and privacy of the person using the social network at risk, but the whole family would be exposed.
It is also important to remember that cyberbullying exists and that many boys are subjected to this type of harassment throught social media. There is still an important legal vacuum, whereby many people are dedicated to harassing and spilling information without any control, hidden behind a profile that reveals little of the reality of who is behind it.
It is not for children
It is very important that social media is used responsibly. Therefore, young children should not make use of them since they lack that trait. And if they do, it is essential that it is under the responsibility of an adult who ensures privacy in the best possible way. Do not forget to talk with your children so that they are aware of everything that the Internet hides. For kids, all of this may sound like an exaggeration because for them, everything that comes from an adult is boring, as a general rule.
Therefore, it is important to make use of all possible resources so that they themselves can see what reality is like. Without scaring them, without demonizing the Internet or social networks. Because in the end, if they are put to good use, it is a great way to find out about reality of what happens in the world live. Use vocabulary that kids can understand. Use truthful information about cases of boys who have had a very bad time because of cyber bullying.
And above all, make sure that the photos or information they share on the Internet is careful and responsible. Never, even when they believe that their information is shared only with their friends, should they expose data such as the address. Neither the phone number, the name of the school or institute or the place where their parents work. Something very important that sometimes adults also overlook, if you are going to travel and your house is left alone, avoid offering that information on social networks.