Social networking is on the rise, a recent survey conducted by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) , revealed that on avg of 73% children aged between 8 and 13 in metropolitan cities are using Facebook and other social networking sites. The survey also said that almost 82% parents helped their kids create their Social Media profile. DS Rawat, secretary-general, ASSOCHAM, says, “Children’s are gaining access to social media at a very young age. Chances are that it could expose them to inappropriate content, connect strangers or even situations that are beyond their understanding”.

Yes, Parents should monitor their kids or teen’s Facebook & other social networking sites

Just as we prepare our kids for life in the real world, we should prepare them for life in the Online world.

Cyber Bullying and Cyber Threats are serious problems.

Would I know if my teenager was being bullied over the internet? This is the question that every parent of a teenager needs to ask themselves if their child is using social media regularly. There are too many parents of teenagers who suffer a mental breakdown are distressed when they discover that their teenager was receiving threats over the internet, but they didn’t know about it because they didn’t want to interfere. Every parent should read about Cyber Bullying and Cyber Threats.

If parents look too much in their children’s social media, the kids will lose trust. They will think that their parents will do anything to stop them from talking on social media. Some kids might even purposely hide some things from their parents. That would cause a weak bond with each other.  You have to gain their trust. If they trust you, they will tell you everything. “Sneaking peeks” at their social media would make them angry. They would lose their trust in you. Social media is dangerous, but if you have a good bond, they will tell you almost everything. Also, you must think like a teenager to understand one. Think of what you would feel if you caught your parents spying on your social media. NO ONE likes it. You should think about doing something else to help them. Something that wouldn’t bother you, too.

 How to protect & monitor  Children’s or Teen’s Social Media

• Monitor the Pictures Your Child Posts Online

  In an ideal world, your child would never post a photo of herself online, but that might not be entirely realistic. If she wants to share photos with her friends via email or a social networking site, be sure you know exactly which pictures are being posted. Make sure the content of the photo is completely innocuous and that no identifiable locales in the background are noticeable.

• Teach Kids about an Online Reputation

  Many kids don’t seem to understand the permanence of the online world. Make sure to stress to your kids what a digital footprint is and the impact inappropriate messages or images could have if a future college administrator or employer were to stumble upon them.

• Talk to Kids about Online Risks & Dangers( Cyber Bullying and Cyber Threats)

  You may feel like you’re scaring your kids when talking to them about the dangers of being online, but it’s better for them to be scared than to be unaware. Having an open line of communication is crucial the minute your kids start using the Internet more independently.

• Get to Know the Technology

  Children’s have gained a mastery of technology so quickly and can easily pick up on any new gadget, far more easily that we can in some cases. It is every parent’s responsibility to know exactly which key features are included in the gadgets our kids are using.

• Use Parental Control Apps or Software’s

  There are mobile applications to monitor your child’s Social Media Activity remotely;even enable you to view and schedule Child mobile or tablet Application, Monitor the child website activity or even block url adult websites,crime gambling or block porn. Nischint Parental control app let you manage, monitor and protect child mobile and tablet remotely.