If you’re under 13, some platforms will still allow you to sign up, but with parental consent. Sometimes, they may require you to fill a COPPA form out. While wikiHow is not a social media website, it’s one example of a site that maintains an age rule in compliance with the COPPA.
Make sure to research the terms of use and privacy policy, along with any other policies associated with the platform you wish to use. Some common social media apps are Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and yes, even YouTube. Most of these apps are used for sharing pictures, videos, statuses, and more - hence the name ‘social media’. Instagram is used for sharing pictures and videos, as well as keeping in touch with friends or other distant family members. Facebook, much like Instagram, is used to share pictures and videos, and to communicate with friends or family. However, Facebook can be used to share statuses (specifically). Twitter is similar to Facebook. It’s used to mainly speak what’s on your mind. It’s been used to do a lot of good. Also, multiple news sources, police departments, fire departments, etc. use Twitter (and Facebook) to communicate with their communities. Snapchat is designed, and used, to talk to people directly. This means instant messaging. It’s still used to share what’s on your mind with the story feature. YouTube is primarily for videos. There is no instant messaging feature.
Try to start off talking about the topic of social media, eventually touching on the subject of having access to it. Again, try not to say too much. Just simply have a conversation about restrictions to certain social media platforms. From here, you can ask and begin to explain further information (explained below).
It’s a relaxing day/weekend You’ve accomplished something good that demonstrates responsibility (e. g. , getting a good grade on an exam) In the car Discussing the topic of social media
When explaining the benefits, talk to them about your friends, and how you could use social media to communicate with them. If you have some sort of interest in photography, videography, cinematography, etc. show them other features that could help you get started in that field (such as filters for color correction, blurriness, and other features associated with filters. ) Make sure to explain some of the other functions, such as blocking, commenting freely, etc.
If you are hesitant on this step, try to explain that you’re trustworthy. Bring up past events where you were honest or doing the right thing. Starting out with restricted access to a social media platform can be better than nothing, and those restrictions may not be permanent. If your parents allow you restricted access to a certain platform, they may eventually loosen those restrictions if you can prove that you’re using your account safely and responsibly.
Try to keep eye contact as frequently as possible. Listen to what they have to say. They may have some important points that you may form a rebuttal about. Tell them that you understand any dangers and/or risks associated with social media, and that you can avoid those, or that you’ll try to avoid those to your best ability.
If they make an unfair point, or a point that is clearly solvable through the application, try to explain things further. Explain that you want to use social media to also talk to friends, classmates, and relatives whose phone numbers you do not have.
At a minimum, you should consider sharing your public page with your parents. Having the ability to check on what you’re posting will usually help your parents know you’re not trying to hide anything bad from them. It’s fine if you don’t want to share your login information with your parents, as many teens don’t. If you agree to do so, though, don’t change the information without telling your parents since they could believe you’re trying to deceive or hide something from them.
