Mayor Rich Walker
A Message from Mayor Rich Walker
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and in order to ensure our children are using it safely and responsibly, parents need to get engaged. With the changing complexities involving the use of social media, parents need to be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls that come with it.
First and foremost, parents need to be aware of the content their children are viewing and sharing on social media. Parents also need to realize that Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to social media platforms. Younger children of Generation Z (born in 1995 to 2009) and Generation Alpha (born in 2010 to 2024) may be downloading new social media outlets adults are not familiar with.
What are our children posting on social media? What is being posted about our children? Parents should also be aware of cyberbullying, as well as the potential for their children to be exposed to inappropriate content. Sharing personal information, such as passcodes, is also problematic. Children need to know that they should not share personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and financial information with anyone.
In addition, parents should be aware of the potential for their children to be exposed to online predators, which can be accessed not only on smartphones but also on gaming devices. Our children need to know that they need to avoid strangers who use these entry points to target them.
Finally, parents should be aware of the potential for their children to become addicted to social media. Children don’t always say they appreciate guardrails, but they inherently seek guidance. Setting limits on screen time usage will provide the parameters they need to avoid debilitating social media addiction that could become a distraction from schoolwork and physical fitness.
In conclusion, it is important for parents to get engaged in order to ensure their children are using social media safely and responsibly. Parents should be aware of the potential risks that come with social media and should explain to their children the importance of not sharing passwords, not sharing personal information, not engaging with strangers online, and limiting their time on social media.
By doing so, parents can help ensure their children are using social media safely and responsibly.
If you would like to share your thoughts about social media, or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. Of course, I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website, cityofparkland.org, and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
Rich Walker
City of Parkland, Florida
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