Parents should engage by showing interest in what their children are taking interest in online.  Ask them about the best thing they saw on social media that day and why they liked it.  Look at social medial posts together and ask them questions about what they are viewing.  This can sharpen the lens through which they view things online and think more critically rather than blindly embracing everything they view as truthful or realistic.  Emphasize that social media is not real life and misinformation is everywhere so it’s important to learn to fact check from reliable sources.  Examples of questions to ask include:  

• What do you think of this post?  
• What do you like/dislike about this post? Why?
• Are these people you know well?  
• Do you think this is realistic?  
• Do you think these are examples of race or gender discrimination, and/or hate speech?
• What story or message do you think they are trying to share with this post or picture?  Do you think that’s the message that people are actually getting? 

This publication was authored by CPCMG Associate Director of Behavioral Mental Health, Dr. Patty Lee, and Harrison Howard, P.A.

Reviewed by: HH P.A., PL M.D., HB M.D. | 06/2024