Preparing My Children For Social Media

*Thanks to Sophos Home for sponsoring today's post, and inspiring today's discussion.

We live in a scary time to be parents. I'm sure that every generation says that, but I honestly believe that the rise of the internet has both negatively and positively affected us. You see, we live in the age of cyber bullying, and child predators, and social media without monitoring. These are things that aren't in G's immediate future, but they are coming and I worry about them constantly.

While I greatly value platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, I know that one day that will change as G decides it is time for her to join those worlds. I don't know about you, but she's only 17 months and already showing interest in my phone and her dad's iPad. We haven't introduced her to the world of technology yet, but when we do, I've decided it's time to have a concrete plan for what we can do to protect her.

What if I told you that I found something that could potentially give you peace of mind when it comes to your children's safety while using your computers, iPads, and phones? Yes. I've found something that will work wonders in protecting their technology time. But it gets better -- this software is absolutely free.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR SOCIAL MEDIA/THE INTERNET

1. I plan to have knowledge of all of her passwords to all social accounts. 

One of the biggest mistakes that parents make is too much freedom too quickly. I didn't have a computer in middle school, and in high school I didn't really start browsing the web or using social media platforms until my senior year.(wow, I'm old) so I honestly do not have a ton of experience to draw on. I also had very relaxed guardians - they could have cared less what I did with my free time.

That will not be the case with G, however. My husband and I have decided that we will run/manage/check in on all of her accounts as long as we are paying for her phone bill, internet time, etc.. This allows parents to be in complete control of what is being offered to/seen by their children while browsing the web.

2. I plan to monitor those accounts and all web browsing with strong anti-virus software, Sophos Home.

I couldn't be more thrilled to share Sophos Home with you. Their anti-virus software protects your home and devices from malware, ransomware, viruses, and inappropriate sites. Oh and it's FREE!

3. I will install web filters on our computers and phones.

Web filters are going to be giant when it comes to parental controls! Loook at how with Sophos Home you can choose to block/allow certain content that your children may come across on YouTube, or when playing a game on Disney.com. I absolutely love this feature, and have already downloaded Sophos on my laptop and phone for this feature alone.

4. I will limit her computer/phone time as much as possible. 

Yes. Total mean mom mode, but honestly, she will thank me for it when she is older. I want G to know the people she interacts with. I want her to remember their faces and the looks they make. She can't do that if she's looking down at her phone constantly, right? I don't know - as someone who is immersed in the world of social media, I must say I don't know if I want that for my own children. I would love for her to spend time outdoors, connecting with the earth and atmosphere. 

That being said, I know that teens will be teens and kids will be kids. Lots of YouTube time is in my distant future... Thankfully, I've got Sophos Home to give me the peace of mind I need as a parent!

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Wearing: Mama Bird Tee | High Waisted Shorts | Panama Hat | Dagne Dover 15-inch tote c/o | Tory Burch 'Miller' sandals

Watch this really hilarious video from Sophos Home about steps to protect your kids when it comes to online safety! I literally laughed out loud at this!

Check out SOPHOS HOME for more info on the software, and directions for how to download and install for FREE!

xo. L