Discuss how posting something online can be a risk – even if a post or a photo is deleted at a later time, all it takes is a screen shot taken by someone and shared with others for it to “live on” and be passed around.  Encourage your child to take a moment to consider how their post may impact themselves and others (ex. their feelings, reputation) and whether it may distort the truth of what actually occurred.  Discuss how what was posted (ex. Photo, comment) can sometimes send a message very different from what was intended.  For example, posting a picture of herself with her friends at the beach may send a message that “I’m having a great time with my closest friends” but only posting selfies of herself in a bikini from the same beach party may send a different message.  A good question to use as a gauge whether something is appropriate or not is “Will I be comfortable for anyone in my family to see this?”

Try not to emphasize the number of followers someone has on their social media accounts.  Focus should instead be placed on connecting with people they truly care about, not strangers.  Discuss that “likes” can be misleading and not always reflective of whether someone really found their posts interesting or helpful. 

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