(originally posted on OregonLive.com Omama's, the parenting blog for The Oregonian)
As parents we talk a lot about cyber-safety. So many stories have surfaced about the serious consequences of bullying and harassment from social media. We worry about our kids and teens being bullied online. Where is the social media etiquette?
I’ve seen more and more adults using a disrespectful tone when on social media. It makes me wonder about the message that our kids are hearing. In helping out my kids and others with Facebook questions, I have been pointing out simple rules -- little bits of wisdom that sometimes escape the thought process in the excitement of this new communication playground.
What it comes down to is teaching, and even more important, modeling, simple playground rules. Use the word WISDOM to help kids remember.
When someone is hurt, help them.
If in danger, get help.
Safe sites only.
Don’t post without permission.
Only friends, no strangers.
Make amends.
Many friends of mine have let their kids have Facebook accounts. I encourage this, as I see the many benefits that social media sites can provide. The downside is that careless behavior with social media, whether online or texting, can cause great harm to others. (Editor's note: This week, the St. Petersburg Times published the story of a 13-year-old who killed herself because of sexting-related bullying.) We need to teach kindness and compassion along with social media. We need playground rules.
For more information on cyber-safety, here are some helpful sites:
FTC Releases Guide to Help Parents Talk to Their Kids About the Web, by Sue Scheff, Author and Parent Advocate
How to Protect Kids from Cyber-Bullying, by Michele Borba, parenting expert for the TODAY show
Wired Moms provides parents with the tools and skills to navigate the maze of new innovations and technologies.
-- Marjie Braun Knudsen
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