Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Meta Screen Smart event in Miami, and I can’t wait to share all the insightful takeaways! As a mom of a 10-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, navigating the digital world is already on my radar, even though my kids don’t have their own social media accounts yet. They do enjoy apps like YouTube Kids, which makes me think ahead to the day when they’ll want to explore social media. Instagram’s invitation to this event came at the perfect time, providing a wealth of information on how to support our kids safely online.
Setting the Tone for Safety and Communication
The event focused on equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to help our tweens and teens navigate social media safely. It was reassuring to hear from experts who stressed the importance of open dialogue between parents and kids. Instagram’s approach isn’t about monitoring every move but rather providing resources that encourage healthy and positive online habits.
Learning from the Experts
One of the highlights was learning from some amazing experts, including Dr. Aliza Pressman from the “Raising Good Humans” podcast and cyberbullying expert Samir Hinduja. Dr. Pressman’s podcast is well-known for offering practical advice on parenting in today’s digital age, and hearing her insights on fostering empathy and kindness online was invaluable. Samir Hinduja provided a deep dive into understanding cyberbullying and its impact on our children, along with practical tips on how to recognize and address it. Both experts emphasized the importance of guiding our children to be not just safe, but also kind and thoughtful digital citizens.
The Supervision Tool: Navigating Social Media Together
One key feature that stood out was Instagram’s supervision tool. This is a game-changer for parents looking to guide their kids through social media use. When my kids eventually step into the world of social media, this tool will allow us to set daily time limits and gain insights into their interactions, all while fostering trust. It’s designed to promote a balanced online presence, helping us guide our children without imposing overly strict controls. For instance, on a busy school night, we can use this tool to ensure screen time is kept in check.
Built-In Protections for Our Kids
Instagram also shared the various built-in protections they’ve implemented to keep teens safe online. For starters, teens’ accounts are private by default, and they are automatically shown the least amount of potentially sensitive content. This reassured me that when the time comes for my son or daughter to create an account, they will have a layer of protection from unwanted contact or exposure to inappropriate content right from the beginning
Resources to Spark Conversations
What I found incredibly helpful were the resources Instagram and Meta offer, curated by leading experts in digital wellness. These resources are designed to spark meaningful conversations between parents and their kids about navigating social media. It’s not just about setting rules but also about teaching our children to make smart, empathetic choices online. Whether it’s tips on how to handle cyberbullying or discussions around creating positive digital habits, these tools help parents like us build a collaborative approach to social media.
My Takeaway from the Day
Attending the Meta Screen Smart event was an eye-opener and provided practical guidance on how to prepare for the digital challenges ahead. As a mom, it was reassuring to learn that Instagram has put significant thought into creating an environment that prioritizes our children’s safety and well-being. I walked away feeling more empowered to guide my kids when they eventually step into the world of social media.
If you want to dive deeper into the tools and resources that can help you and your family navigate this journey, I highly recommend visiting Instagram’s Family Center. You’ll find a wealth of information, from expert advice to practical tips on using Instagram’s supervision tools.
Also, head over to Instagram to see more of what went on at the Meta Screen Smart event. Follow the conversation using #MetaScreenSmart and #MetaPartner, and don’t forget to tag @Instagram for more updates on how they are working to keep our kids safe online.
Thank you, @Instagram, for such an enlightening and informative day!
