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Parents of Teens, Time to Jump Into The Social Media Pool!!
The pressure to come up with a post…
I have to admit it: I’m having a bit of writer’s block! It’s not because I don’t have anything to say… People who know me know I always have something to say.
Today, I’m really struggling to come up with a brilliant post. You know, words that will move you, motivate you, educate or at least entertain you. Why is this post different then my previous posts, because this post a few people beside my mom might actually read it? (Thanks Mom!)
Why might this post get a few more hits?
Chris Brogan, Liz Strauss, Walmart, Sobcon. If you’re confused by now, let me explain. This weekend, I attended an amazing social media conference called Sobcon in Chicago. I must admit, I may be a little more obsessed with social media then your average 40 something mom of teens, but I think we as parent need to wake up! We have to dip our toes into the social media pool too!
As a mom with four teens, I fell into social media because I wanted to know more about the places our kids hang out online, just like when you taught your toddler to look both ways as they cross the street. I feel we have to know something about the world of social media, to be able to advise our kids, guide them, and continually remind them to “look both ways” when surfing the Internet. And now that you can interact in real time with people on the Internet, it’s even more of a necessity.
Parents it’s o.k to start to wade into the social media water, you don’t have to become the Michael Phelps of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Myspace, but you do need to know a few simple things. Stop holding your breath it’s time to jump….
1. Facebook-Parents, get a Facebook page. You don’t have to friend people, but you do need to learn about the space. Get a feel how it works, what information is posted, what all the “lingo” means, etc. Just get a little more comfortable, I will have an e-book out soon, but for now, even if your kids don’t have a Facebook page, you should.
2. Twitter-Twitter.com. Try to use your real name when you sign up. Go to search.twitter.com and look for people you’re interested in and click follow them. Most everyone in media, from celebrities to authors, can be found. Or better yet, follow and learn from the Realebrities of Twitter, “The real people with influence” Chris Brogan and Liz Strauss are a couple you can check out. Twitter is easy, but you need to be in the space to learn about it.
It’s important to let your tweens and teens start to navigate the waters of social media. They are growing up in an ocean of digital media, and the waters are only going to spread. If they are going to be aware of it right out of the cradle, shouldn’t you as a parent be aware too? Think about it for me…
Let me know your thoughts on social media and teens.
Comments
6 Responses to “Parents of Teens, Time to Jump Into The Social Media Pool!!”
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Beth,
I totally agree! I was one of the moms that refused Social Media a few years ago, I think the negative news what I focused on too much, hence kept me out. After our conversation this past weekend and what you have shared with me..I like what you say here: “They are growing up in an ocean of digital media, and the waters are only going to spread. If they are going to be aware of it right out of the cradle, shouldn’t you as a parent be aware too?”
Good point my dear….
I think it is super important for parents to get on Facebook. Kids may not realize this, but anything they put on the internet (specifically Facebook) will have long lasting impact on them in the future. Colleges and universities are looking there when making admission decisions, future employers are definitely looking at it, it has long term implications. Parents can make sure that their kids are using social media wisely yet still have fun. It is important for their futures!
I love this post! One, because I was one of the lucky ones to meet you at SOBcon, which I believe was truly one of the best conferences for me to attend- it was an incredible experience. I walked away smarter and with a few more amazing friends.
I love that you are encouraging parents with older children to get online. Almost everyday some of my parents friends are asking me to help them with getting started on Facebook or Twitter…now I can send them to you!
Love that we met and look forward to seeing you again soon! Amy
Beth,
i love your post and the focus of your site.
I’ve tried to figure out how to market my brand at the same time as helping my 40 something friends step into the water.
its not hard, but it makes you feel good being on the inside of something thats so confusing to so many of our boomer generation
I look forward to following your posts
elizabeth
[...] owner of The Mid Life Wife, mother of four and three who are teens shares a great post on her blog: Parents of Teens, Time to Jump into the Social Media Pool. Beth is Twitter friend whom met at a Sobcon (Sucessful and Outstanding Bloggers Conference) shared [...]
Beth,
Recently I looked back at my life and realized how much the culture and media influenced me without me even realizing it. I grew up without my parents and did not have anyone to protect me, but myself. I did my best to make good decisions and looking back, I wish I had someone to warn me of the dangers of the images and words that were spoken over my life. Duong mentioned in her blog “Kids Growing Up in the Digital Age” about Madonna’s song, “Material Girl”. I was drawn to MTV and music videos and it is amazing how I look back and see how those had such a major impact on the direction of my life. With cybercrimes and the pornography industry growing so fast, I agree that parents need to be informed what their kids are doing and experience how this “digital age” can harm their kids. Great post and great advice for parents!
Margie Stone