Ah, social media. It seemed so fun at first. Pictures! Friend updates! Finding that your ex-crush from high school is really, really bald. Unfortunately, the algorithms have taken over, and they’re sucking our souls.
So we are all asking, “Is Snapchat safe for kids? What should I know about group texts? What’s so bad about Roblox?”
Spoiler alert: it ain’t good.
Luckily, former Snapchat executive, Sarah Gallagher Trombley is here to help us sift through the anxiety of parenting in the digital age, and answer our burning questions about social media and teens.
Sarah explains on The Screen Less Play More Podcast, “No social media app, no matter how high-minded their philosophies are…they’re not there to change the world and make it better. They’re there to generate enough income to keep being a business.” You can listen here:
Social Media Safety Guide
In episode 9 of “Screen Less Play More,” Sarah and Cynthia discuss the complexities of parenting in the digital age, focusing on platforms like Snapchat and Roblox. Key topics include the importance of parental controls, the risks associated with disappearing messages, sextortion, bullying, the addictive nature of social media features, and the challenges posed by EdTech in schools. Sarah answers our burning questions: “What do teens do on Snapchat?” “How do I keep my child safe on Snapchat?’ “Is Roblox really a ‘pedophile hellscape?'” Yikes!
Parental Controls on Social Media and Phones
Former Snapchat executive, and founder of “Thoughts From A Digital Mom,” Sarah offers parents a social media safety guide. We all ask “Is social media safe for kids?” The answer is mostly no. But what about parental controls? Unfortunately, they have many pitfalls. In the podcast, Sarah walks us through the many tactics kids use to get around parental controls and what we can do about it.
One of the main things we need to remember, is to talk to our kids. They need training and guidance. Sarah says, “I don’t let my 12 year old drive the car. Why am I allowing my 12 year old in this adult space where there’s a lot of grownups that don’t have his best interests in mind?”
Parents also need to remember that mistakes will be made. And when they are, your kids are going to need your help. “The most important lesson in all of this,” Sarah says, “is for the adults to say to children that ‘you can always come to me. If something is going wrong…your safety is more important to me than a mistake.'”
Staying safe in Ed Tech
The episode also covers technology in schools, known now as “Ed tech.” Sarah explains that your child’s Chromebook may not be as safe as you think, especially once they bring it home. “School issued Chromebooks are set up with a protective software that works when they’re on school property, and may not work when you’re away from the school.”
Staying safe on Snapchat and social media
Is Snapchat safe for kids? Not if they don’t understand the dangers.
Kids and parents alike need to understand about Snap Streaks, Snap Map, disappearing content, My Eyes Only, and My AI. Sarah tells the Screen Less Play More Podcast all about these features, and the danger they pose to children on the app. She also tells you what to watch out for!
Predators these days don’t hang out at the playground. That’s far too dangerous. They’re all on Instagram and Snapchat! So how do they infiltrate your teen’s group text or friend group? Sarah explains, “There’s a lot of predators on Snapchat. Predators don’t necessarily raise their hand and say, ‘Hey, I’m a drug dealer. Hey, I’m a sextortionist.’ What they do is they infiltrate friend groups. They try to appear like maybe they go to your high school. And so all it takes is one kid in a friend group to maybe think they know this person.”
Where can I learn more about social media and safety?
After you listen to Episode 9 of “Screen Less Play More,” check out the best parenting books about screen time. “Better Than Real Life” explains how “persuasive design” is addicting kids by hacking into their psychology and primitive DNA. “The Anxious Generation” explains how society got to this terrible tipping point, and what we can do about it. Check the link for even more amazing book recommendations
Additionally, Therapist Tessa Stuckey has amazing recommendations about keeping our kids safe from the suicide and self-harm that is being caused by problematic social media use. Checkout Episode 5 of The Screen Less Play More Podcast to hear her 6 helpful steps to get your kids back on track.
