Social Media Workshop for Parents

The Parent Council would like to thank all the parents who attended this great event.  I think most would agree it was a really valuable learning opportunity!  And the reviews from the grade 5-8 students who attended his session during the day was equally positive!

As your Humbercrest Communications person, I attended the workshop and took some notes to share with parents and teachers who could not attend. Social_Media_Workshop_for_Parents_HANDOUT

Although my boys are only 8 and 5, there was a lot to prepare for, but I also learned a lot I should be doing as an adult using social media.  Here are some of the things I took away from the workshop…

The bottom line from our speaker, Chris Vollum, in his words is this:

Social Networking sites offer measurable benefits and opportunities, but also risks.  Used with knowledge, care and purpose, they can propel us forward in the direction of our goal!  Control your online experience, guard your privacy and build your reputation!

  • The age children should reach before engaging in social media is 13
  • That they need to understand that as soon as they begin, they are saying “I’m available for your evaluation” and realize that they cannot control it
  • Our children need to be ready emotionally and they need our guidance and support
  • In addition to putting themselves out there for comment, what could be worse than a bad reaction to posts is no reaction – drawing the conclusion no friends or not valuable
  • And with their increased used of social media comes the issue of ‘FOMO’ or Fear of missing out
  • We need to teach them that the world will not fall apart if they don’t respond immediately (a lesson many of us probably need to learn too)
  • And Chris stresses that Apps are not bad – they are just apps.  Here are the four things that drive them: Choices, Behaviour, Values, and PEER PRESSURE!

Here’s what are most popular (with his estimates of participation levels at Humbercrest in Grades 5-8):

  • Instagram (90%)
  • Twitter (60%)
  • Tumblr (40%)
  • Vine (40%)
  • Google+ (30%)
  • Linked-in (3 students) ** However, Chris also talked to all students at Humberside earlier that day and reported that high school students are learning that it can be an important site to engage with as they begin to apply to college/university/jobs.  Chris suggested they should create a Linked-in site that shows their volunteer experience, academic awards, athletic/arts participation, etc. as they prepare to leave high school
  • And finally, Snapchat – which is the fastest growing network

(PS – apparently our kids aren’t using Facebook as much because WE grown-ups are using it, making it no longer cool)

Chris says that ALL these apps should be on OUR PHONES and we should have accounts and learn to use them so that we can be ready to help our children if they need it.  When they first join, we should follow them.  (Don’t ask after they’ve had it for years as they are unlikely to say yes then – get in early!).  BUT – do not comment!!!!  You need to earn their trust.  The last thing they want is their parent commenting or liking all their posts.  Just monitor it and if there’s an issue, or worse, a crisis, be ready to help!

Also, set-up house rules that they must provide you with account user names and passwords.

Stress that even though you support them using social media, they need to still spend more time IRL (in real life) – and find online-balance.

When they get started – teach them to CREATE GREAT CONTENT and to only post stuff that they CAN BE PROUD OF.

  • It is a reality that ALL colleges/universities/employers will absolutely Google them
  • And nothing is private and they will go back years, even decades to review their posts and make decisions on what they fine (and everything can always be found even if you think it has been deleted)
  • In fact, most schools now ask for social media IDs – and will look at them
  • Our speaker showed us many cases where kids were thrown off sports teams or scholarships were withdrawn because of inappropriate Twitter or Facebook posts – and it was instant and without recourse
  • Same thing with employers – he showed us the example of the Liberal party candidate who had to withdrawal because of posts she made 10 years earlier that she was certain were deleted.

Encourage your children to use social media in a positive manner!

  • As they discover what is important to them in life and in their future career, encourage them to Follow those they admire or future influencers
  • Chris showed us that most colleges/universities/employers have very robust social media sites – even specific departments, profs, etc. – follow those that are of interest
  • And, if there is an opportunity at some point to make a meaningful contribution and stand-out in the crowd, this could go a long way in advancing ones education/career by getting noticed
  • Teach them to post something awesome
  • The saying is ‘I am what I post’ – and what we post online will always effect our reputation!
  • If our posts are only negative, it will hurt our reputation

To reduce stress, depression, anxiety, etc. brought on by social media, Chris recommends:

  • Listen/read more
  • Post less
  • Stay relevant
  • Add value
  • Be respectful
  • Become experts

Google yourself.  Google your kids.  Set-up a Google Alert for everyone in your family so you are notified when anyone appears in social media.

And finally, one fun tidbit that Chris shared with us.  BFF (Best Friends Forever) is apparently out.  The new term is BAE (Before Anyone Else).  Try it on your kids!

It was a great session and Chris was an amazing speaker and resource.  You can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmvsocialmedia.

And don’t forget to follow Humbercrest P.S. on Twitter: https://twitter.com/humbercrest

Submitted by:
Laurie Lyle
Humbercrest Communications
[email protected]