[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It might seem surprising, but selfie culture is much more than taking a simple snap of yourself. For millennials, early pioneers of the selfie, uploading a pic of yourself online is usually an opportunity to show off your best <\/span>you<\/span><\/i>, but for Gen Z, selfies have become so much more. Preened and perfect is out, and goofy, weird, and quirky is in – but one thing that we can be sure of, despite the changing trends? It\u2019s not always the best idea to take a selfie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s one thing to look back and cringe at your old selfies (we\u2019ve all been there) but in today\u2019s snap-happy world, <\/span>it\u2019s more important for young people to know the difference between an innocent photo and a potentially dangerous situation<\/b>. If your teen is posting self-snapped pictures online, schedule a face-to-face chat to share these selfie safety tips ASAP.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As with any pictures your child shares on social media, they should be careful not to reveal any private information, especially regarding location. Many social media platforms and apps have GPS features that tag photos with the sender\u2019s location. Avoid these apps altogether or at a minimum, disable any GPS capabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s not just street signs or landmarks that can give away your child\u2019s location, too. While it\u2019s now the norm to document daily life through stories, posts, and videos, something that your child thinks is routine can easily give away just that – their routines and habits. <\/span>Even something as innocuous as a high school logo on a T-shirt or gym bag could tip a stranger off<\/b> to a child\u2019s location.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Posting something online is like writing with a Sharpie \u2014 it\u2019s permanent. Selfies, of course, are no exception. <\/span>Your child\u2019s online presence will likely be evaluated in the future <\/b>by recruiters, admissions counselors, and employers, so reputation management is a necessity. Advise your child not to post selfies that are immodest or potentially offensive. The best selfies are those that express contentment and self-confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to know that selfies are sometimes used by teens for the purpose of <\/span>sexting<\/span><\/a>. Clearly communicate to your child the potentially public nature of any sort of texting and let them know that<\/span> it is never OK to send a revealing picture to anyone<\/b>, even if it is supposed to be kept private. Even <\/span>Snapchat<\/span><\/a> pictures, which disappear within seconds, can be captured with a screen shot and shared with the whole world in an instant.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2023\/02\/14085735\/2023-02_SelfieSafetyTips_Inside_Page.png” alt=”helping teens take safe selfies” title_text=”2023-02_SelfieSafetyTips_Inside_Page” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nearly everything is better in moderation (even cake), and this includes selfies. Even in a world where selfies are run-of-the-mill, <\/span>posting too many pictures of yourself can be perceived as vain<\/b>, desperate, or at the very least, obsessive. Advise your child to post these types of photos every now and then, not daily.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Finally, it\u2019s important to have discussions about online image from a young age. If you take selfies and upload them to social media, explain to your child what you\u2019re doing, and why. If you take family or group shots, <\/span>ask for your child\u2019s permission to post selfies online <\/b>and explain to them why this is important.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Worrying about selfies may seem like a \u201csocial media age\u201d problem that only teen parents have to consider, but <\/span>children as young as 7 can easily be found on social media these days<\/b>. In fact, <\/span>one 2021 study<\/span><\/a> reported<\/span> that 32% of kids ages 7-9 were using social media, rising to almost 50% in children aged 10-12.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Have regular discussions with your child about the digital world and its implications – what it means for you, for their experience now, and what it might hold for them in the future. Our <\/span>free family digital agreement<\/span><\/a> is a useful resource to get the conversation started, and will help all family members set out online boundaries and guidelines. Regular reminders and discussions will help them know what to expect, and allow you to enjoy more honest, open communication about your child\u2019s digital footprint – benefits for everyone!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It might seem surprising, but selfie culture is much more than taking a simple snap of yourself. For millennials, early pioneers of the selfie, uploading a pic of yourself online is usually an opportunity to show off your best you, but for Gen Z, selfies have become so much more. Preened and perfect is out, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":45280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Ask the average teen what they think about \u201cselfies\u201d and you\u2019ll likely get a flippant response. The truth is that selfies have become so common that teens often don\u2019t think twice before snapping and sharing. Unfortunately, not all selfies are safe, and your child needs to know the difference between an innocent photo and a potentially dangerous situation. If your teen is posting self-snapped pictures online, schedule a face-to-face chat to share these selfie safety tips ASAP.<\/p> <\/a><\/p> ### Think Location, Location, Location<\/p> As with any pictures your child shares on social media, he or she should be careful not to reveal any private information, especially regarding location. Many social media platforms and apps have GPS features that tag photos with the sender\u2019s location. This is an online predator\u2019s dream come true. Avoid these apps altogether or at a minimum, disable any GPS capabilities. Teach your child to scrutinize photos for other details that may reveal his or her location such as street signs and landmarks. Even something as innocuous as a high school logo on a T-shirt or gym bag can tip a predator off to a child\u2019s location.<\/p> ### Zoom in On Reputation<\/p> Tell your child that posting something online is like writing with a Sharpie\u2014it\u2019s permanent. Selfies, of course, are no exception. Your child\u2019s online presence will likely be evaluated in the future by recruiters, admissions counselors, and employers, so reputation management is a necessity. Advise your child not to post selfies that are immodest or potentially offensive. The best selfies are those that express contentment and self-confidence.<\/p> It\u2019s also important to know that selfies are sometimes used by teens for the purpose of sexting. Clearly communicate to your child the potentially public nature of any sort of texting and let him or her know that is never ok to send a revealing picture to anyone, even if it supposed to be kept private. Even Snapchats<\/a>, which disappear within seconds, can be captured with a screen shot and shared with the whole world in an instant.<\/p> ### Everything in Moderation<\/p> Nearly everything is better in moderation, and this includes selfies. Posting too many pictures of oneself can be perceived as desperate, vain, or at the very least, obsessive. Advise your child to post these types of photos every now and then, not daily.<\/p> According to a Pew Internet survey, 91% of teens have posted a picture of themselves online. Oxford Dictionaries made \u201cselfie\u201d the word of the year<\/a>, and pop singer Justin Bieber is launching an app devoted wholly to the self-pic phenomenon. Like it or not, by all indications, selfies are here to stay, so be sure your teen is selfie savvy before it\u2019s too late.<\/p> #### References<\/p> Selfies Are Good for Girls http:\/\/www.slate.com\/articles\/double_x\/doublex\/2013\/11\/selfies_on_instagram_and_facebook_are_tiny_bursts_of_girl_pride.html<\/a><\/p>1. Think location, location, location<\/b><\/h2>\n
2. Zoom in on reputation<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Remember not everyone can keep a secret<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4. Everything in moderation<\/b><\/h2>\n
5. The earlier the talk, the better<\/b><\/h2>\n