In the name of social media, who doesn’t like the affirmation of more friends, likes, followers? Our creativity is at the core of what we display and how others respond. Before your kids set off to post their way to social media stardom, remember that for under-13 “tweens,” social media law says keep out – it’s a closed door in your face. Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vine – they all firmly disallow anyone under 13.
Regardless of how 13 became the magical coming of age for social access, until social networks open up to tweens, here are ways for your creative child to safely participate.
App: YouTube (iOS) (Android)
Overview: Watch videos created with your device, share to gain likes and subscribers.
Recommendation: You control their channel.
When you setup a YouTube channel for your tween, configure all of the little-known settings like comment permissions public or unlisted defaults, and more. The result is you control their crazy videos, but at a safe distance. Of course, browse on YouTube as a group activity to avoid stumbling upon inappropriate content.
App: Instagram (iOS) (Android)
Overview: Take photos, record videos, customize and share to gain followers and comments.
Recommendation: Control the follower list.
Instagram offers powerful controls including what gets shared and who it gets shared with. You should set up the follower list with friends and family only, while the app is new. And you should approve every friend request until you’re completely comfortable that your tween is trained on the basics of safe social interaction.
App: SKIT! (iOS) (Android) (Amazon)
Overview: Create and share animated videos, using fun free content.
Recommendation: Their username, but your email.
The SKIT! app is all about creativity and expression and already has “pathways” that make it safe for younger kids, exposing only G rated content to G aged users. Unlike most others, SKIT! is COPPA compliant (children’s online privacy protection act) and accommodates G users differently from PG and PG-13 users. During sign up, use your email and you’ll get notifications of what they share and who they interact with.
