social media for parents

Parents, How to Overcome Your Fear of Social Media

by Lay Ean Eng from Go Kids/Go Parents

What is Social Media? This YouTube segment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIOClX1jPE gives us a good explanation. Social media, is basically an opportunity to create, connect and communicate with people that share a common interest.

As parents, when we talk about Social Media, the first thing that comes to our mind is “Facebook”, “Twitter”, “mobile phone”, “iPad”, “MSN” and we are automatically swamped with feelings of “uneasiness”. Issues of “safety” may arise, such as “I do not like it…it is not safe for my kids”…

Parents, have you ever wondered why we tend to feel overwhelmed with all the gadgets, social media groups, social networks, different media platform etc out there in the market? Do you feel you are even at war with your PC? Whether to invest in a laptop or a desktop? Finding yourself staring at the sales guys or ladies feeling so disempowered with the “terminology” they use when they explain the different products?

Last night I was having a conversation with my daughter about the company Kodak, and the possibility of the company facing bankruptcy http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1001/Kodak-bankruptcy-Investors-dump-stock. My teenage daughter’s reply was “Yes, Mum, haven’t I been telling you for a long time that things are moving really quickly, in fact too fast. If you are not in the flow with things, you are going to be left behind…..”. Wow, what a response! My daughter, Eileen is a gadget girl. Growing up with an older brother, she owns more gadgets than dolls and shoes combined. With that response, no wonder we as Parents are facing an uphill battle!

Technology Era

Years ago, it was what we (the parents) wore that defined who we were, but nowadays, technology such as mobile phones, games, iPad, iPods and other gadgets, increasingly define who the generation X are and their lifestyles. As my daughter said, you have to be in the flow with things…..

So, now that we have accepted that technology is here to stay, why not make use of the advances in technology, and improve our communications and connect with fellow generation Y?

Before we talk about the steps to overcome our fear of the new technology era, let’s explore why the Generation Y (which maybe us) are paranoid about it?

Why are most parents paranoid about Social Media?

1. Lack of knowledge and being ignorant about what social media is.

2. Time Poor – We are all time poor, and wondering whether it is our priority to learn about social media or leave it to our children and hope for the best.

3. Technology moves really fast, parents tend to get overwhelmed with new medium “sprouting” out every corner.

Can you avoid owing a mobile phone or being connected to the internet?

Yes, you can. Take my parents for example, they are in their late 70s and they find that mobile phones and the internet give them more troubles than they would like, such as not knowing which button to press, what to do when something happens to the internet or computer…or how to retrieve voice messages from the mobile phone and much much more. Note that we are talking about a community who is a generation above us.

However for those brave souls who give it a go, will find that despite the challenges, it has given them whole heaps of wonderful experiences as well. I have known grandparents who are online everyday searching for useful information, and communicating with friends and families via Skype or e-mail. Some grandparents now send photos via e-mail or other online platforms…..or learn new languages, explore new places for future visits….and so much more.

How to overcome the fear of Social Media?

You must want to do it!

Find the courage! Make an effort to understand what social media is out there. Find the courage to explore and do some research over the internet.

Connect with fellow parents and have a discussion group about it. Learn about the programs and gadgets that are out there, and understand the benefits of each medium.

Openly communicate with your children. Once you have established some knowledge of the program or gadget, you would have established some credibility; and you will find you have something in common to talk to your children about.

Invite your children or spouse to do the research together….whether it is browsing through the internet or visiting a physical store to gather information.

Attend seminars and classes for adults. Or visit the local libraries for their local classes.

It can be really fun and rewarding to be online and be connected on different social media platform. However just choose the one that you are comfortable with. Be in the FLOW!!

One very important thing to note is that as parents, we have the responsibility to guild your children to be aware of online/internet safety. Therefore it is worthwhile to upgrade your skills and know what is happening in your household and to stay safe.

Happy Surfing!

by Lay Ean Eng from GoKids/GoParents

www.gokids.com.au

www.goparents.com.au

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