Get ready to take a deep dive into the world of social media with Episode 4 of the Raider Ramble podcast! In this episode, Liz Sherwood, a parent of four kids, leads a fascinating chat with Middle School Counselor Courtney Wilson and Information and Media Literacy Librarian Jared Branahl. Discover how parents can guide and shape their children's social media journeys, unlocking doors to self-discovery and growth.

Here are the key takeaways we have for you:

• It's important for parents to be thoughtful and intentional about how they approach social media with their children.
• Baby steps and creating structure can help children ease into using social media responsibly.
• Parents can use their own experiences with social media use to guide conversations with their children about its pros and cons.
• Discussions about the differences between online and face-to-face interactions can help children understand the implications of their online behavior. 
• Parents should help build their child's self-esteem before introducing social media to avoid using it solely for validation.
• Social media can provide a sense of community and help individuals realize they are not alone in their experiences.
• It is important to teach kids self-awareness and emotional regulation while interacting online.
• Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping children create healthy structures and limitations around social media use.
• Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of social media can be a challenge for parents, and it is important to consider the long-term effects rather than short-term desires.

LINKS:

Quick Tips for Parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics
https://pedialliance.com/socialmediaguide