3.2.c Social Media Options for Kids

In this lesson you will learn about options kids have for social media. You will be introduced to a list of sites that get high ratings. You'll definitely recognize some like Club Penguin but you probably will discover a new site or two as you view the list. Why is this important? Because we know you're going to find places to socialize, connect with friends, play games and do things online. We figure it's best to give you healthy and safe options so you don't find yourself in a social media world that is not age appropriate, language appropriate, or content appropriate.

Read and Think

Imagine you walked into your classroom on a Monday morning and every student in the room was a college student. Your classroom somehow and mysteriously aged up while you stayed your same self. How would you feel? Does the word awkward come to mind? At first you might think it's cool but then think about this - What do you have in common with college students? More importantly, they would have privileges that you are still 3-4 years away from getting. At some point, you would probably wish to have your old friends and classmates back. 

This weird, alternative reality you just read about happens every time you use a site like Facebook or Instagram. Let's face it, those sites aren't built for kids and there are tons of things going on that are not very interesting. In fact, sites like Facebook can be very boring if you are a kid looking for a way to have some fun online. Why not get involved with some social networking sites where kids hang out? Even better, why not choose sites where you know you can be honest about your age and other stuff without being told you are too young to join? Convinced? We'll keep trying.

- Look at the sites listed and check out some of the suggestions.  

Ten Safe Social Networking Sites For Kids : NPR

Safe Chat Rooms and Social Sites for Kids

- Be thinking about the following:

What do these sites have in common?

 What role do parents and adults play in these sites?

 Why should parents and adults play any role at all?

Assignment:

Open a Text Entry. Copy and paste the bold questions into the text entry and answer them using complete sentences.

After looking at the lists of really good social networks for kids, think about all you have learned about online life so far.

• • Do you have anything to worry about with these sites?
  • What do you need to do to make sure these sites give you all the fun you want without any of the problems that can happen when you go social online?