Is your child ready for social media?

It's a question many parents ponder. Is the age of 13, imposed by many social media platforms, a relevant indicator? How can you tell if your child is truly ready for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world?

While age 13 is an official requirement on many platforms, emotional and cognitive maturity are far more important. These skills will help your child navigate social media safely and responsibly.

Emotional Maturity

Before creating a social media account, it's important that your child is able to handle the various social interactions that await them online. Emotional maturity means that a child can understand their own emotions and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.

Here are some questions that can help you assess your child's emotional maturity:

• How do they react to criticism and rejection? Are they able to accept constructive feedback without feeling offended or reacting impulsively?
• How do they manage conflict? Can they remain calm in tense situations, understand the other person's perspective, and seek amicable solutions?
• Are they empathetic? Can they imagine how others feel when criticized online and adapt their communication to avoid misunderstandings?

Cognitive Maturity

Cognitive maturity is essential for the safe use of social media. This includes the child's ability to understand and process information, awareness of content appropriate for publication, and the importance of protecting personal data.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do they understand the concepts of privacy and data protection? Do they know why it's important not to share their personal information online and how to adjust their privacy settings?
• Can they distinguish between real and false information? Are they able to critically evaluate the credibility of sources and identify misinformation?
• Are they aware of the consequences of their online actions? Do they understand that their posts can have a lasting impact and that they need to act with caution?

How can Tutorina help you?

Tutorina can help you prepare your child for social media through:

• Negotiation function: Involve your child in setting rules for internet and social media use.
• Monitoring online activity: Find out what websites they visit and who they interact with online.
• Content filtering: Block access to age-inappropriate content.
• Digital education: Tutorina provides resources and tips for safe and responsible online navigation.

Tutorina is a trusted partner that helps you guide your child in the digital world, providing them with the tools they need to enjoy the benefits of social media safely.