Socially Savvy Parents on Twitter

Are you a “socially savvy” parent?  Do you know what Twitter is? Do you know how to use it?  Even more important though-do your kiddos/tweens/teens know how to use it?

Online safety is a big concern for most parents.  They put blocks on their computers or internet programs to block out objectionable content.  They go to all kinds of lengths to be sure that their kiddos are safe.  Kiddos these days are wanting facebook and twitter accounts at younger and younger ages.  The only thing with Twitter is that your kiddo’s tweets are out there for the world to see.

My biggest suggestion for setting up a twitter account for those under 18 (or just under your roof!) is to PROTECT THEIR TWEETS! Kids don’t always consider the fact that when they tweet they are leaving ” ___ Middle School” it’s out there for anyone in the timeline to read.  I imagine that twitter is prime breeding grounds for predators .  When setting up a twitter account follow the following tutorial to “protect your tweets” (or those of your kiddos).   This will ensure that only people your child allows to see their tweets will see them. Click the images to make them larger.

At the top right of the screen (once you log in) click "settings"

Check the box next to "Protect My Tweets" and then click "Save". Also be sure that the box for "add location to my tweets" is UNCHECKED. See below for details.

My second tip:  Be their friend! If you aren’t in their “trusted” friends YOU won’t know what they are saying!!  By being their friend you can monitor their activities and talk about anything that concerns you.

Third tip:  Be sure the location is OFF on their tweets. You don’t want people being able to see exactly where your kiddos are at any given time.  See the above pictures for how to make sure it’s off.

Last tip:  Check out their friends! I know this takes a bit more effort but take the time to go through and see who your kiddos’ twitter friends are.  Go through their profiles and see what they are tweeting.  Be their friends.  If you don’t tweet often they will probably just forget you’re there at all. You will still be able to see what’s going on and keep up to date on things kiddos tell their friends (but not necessarily their parents)!

That’s it for this week’s edition of Tweet Me Tuesday. Tweet me Tuesday is a weekly link up for bloggers to get some love while getting tips to use Twitter more effectively.  Want to participate? Here’s how:

• Check out Melinda’s Blog. She’s the genius who came up with Tweet Me Tuesday!
• Tweet this post!
• Link up a post you’d like Tweeted using Linky Tools below. It can either be your most recent post or an older, favorite post you’d like to share with a new audience. You only have to put the link to your post at one of our blogs–we are both showing the same exact links. Link up here at Melinda’s blog-and grab a button at either place as well!
• Follow Melinda and myself on Twitter! (if you’re not already)
• Visit the links below and tweet as many as you can!!
• Follow as many of these bloggers as you’d like on Twitter. (You can also follow their blogs if you like!)
• If you tweet at us/about us/for Tweet Me Tuesday please use the hashtag #TMT . It makes it easier for us to find your tweets! Not sure about hashtags? See this post!



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