The Real Talk Parents Need About Social Media Honest, no-BS guidance for keeping kids safe and savvy online. 1. Open, Ongoing Conversations Don’t wait for a crisis—make social media chats a routine. Ask open-ended questions like “What’s your favorite thing you saw online today?” and listen without judgment. 2. Set Shared Expectations Co-create family guidelines on screen time, content, and privacy. When everyone has a voice, rules feel fair, not punitive. 3. Embrace “Digital First Aid” Teach your kids how to respond to cyberbullying, unsettling content, or oversharing. Practice scenarios like “What would you do if…” so they’re prepared. 4. Balance Transparency & Independence Use parental controls as a safety net, but explain why you’re watching. Trust grows when transparency is the foundation of supervision. 5. Model Healthy Behavior Your kids mirror you. Show them how you handle disagreements online, fact-check questionable info, and step away when you need a...
Lydia Agbobidi is an author, business coach, and advocate for digital safety and creative empowerment. Chair of The Independent Film Trust, she champions inclusive filmmaking and storytelling. Lydia's book, "Keeping Families Safe on Social Media", equips parents to protect their children online. The founder of a thriving FB group with over 31K women entrepreneurs, Lydia inspires others to harness technology and creativity for impactful, positive change through writing, coaching, and leadership,