As the holiday season approaches, many children will find themselves with extra free time—and probably extra screen time, too. Whether they’re sharing holiday moments, chatting with friends, or scrolling through their favorite apps, it’s important to remember that staying safe on social media is just as important as being responsible in real life.

Parents, this is also a great time to connect with your child about social media safety and set boundaries to ensure they have a positive online experience.

Here are some tips for children and parents to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season online:

For Students: Safe and Smart Social Media Use

1. Think Before You Post
Holiday gatherings and fun events might make you want to share every moment online. But before you hit “post,” ask yourself:
– Is this something I’ll be okay with everyone seeing?
– Am I sharing personal information like my location or full name?

Once something is on the internet, it can be hard to take back. Stick to sharing content you’d feel comfortable showing to a stranger.

2. Be Careful Who You Friend
It might feel tempting to accept every friend request or follow someone new. But if you don’t know the person in real life, it’s best to decline. Even if they have mutual friends, prioritize your safety over expanding your follower count.

3. Protect Your Personal Information
Avoid sharing private details, such as:
– Your home address
– Phone number
– School schedule
– Travel plans

This information should remain private, even in private messages, to protect your safety.

4. Use Privacy Settings
Make sure your profiles are set to private so only people you trust can see your posts. Regularly check your followers or friends list to remove anyone you don’t know or trust.

5. Watch Out for Scams and Fake Accounts
The holidays are prime time for online scams, such as fake giveaways or messages pretending to be from friends or brands. Be cautious about clicking on links or providing personal information. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Stand Up to Cyberbullying
If you see someone being targeted online, don’t ignore it. Report the content to the platform, support the victim if you feel safe doing so, and talk to a trusted adult. Remember, being kind online is just as important as being kind in person.

7. Balance Screen Time
Spending too much time on social media can lead to burnout. Set boundaries for yourself, such as taking breaks to spend time with family, enjoying hobbies, or even just resting.

For Parents: Helping Your Teen Stay Safe Online

1. Talk About Online Safety
Use the holiday season as an opportunity to have an open conversation with your child about the importance of staying safe on social media. Discuss the risks of oversharing and connecting with strangers, and encourage them to come to you if they ever feel unsure about something online.

2. Set Clear Boundaries
Work with your child to set reasonable limits for screen time, especially during the holiday break. Encourage a balance between online activities and offline family time, hobbies, or rest.

3. Monitor Their Activity (Respectfully)
It’s okay to stay involved in your child’s online life. Check privacy settings together and discuss who they’re connecting with online. Be supportive rather than intrusive—this fosters trust and encourages them to come to you if something doesn’t feel right.

4. Model Positive Behavior
Students often learn by example. Model good online habits, such as being cautious about oversharing, avoiding unverified links, and balancing screen time with offline activities.

Social media can be a wonderful way to connect with friends and family during the holidays, but it’s important to use it responsibly. Students, be thoughtful about what you share and who you interact with online. Parents, stay engaged and proactive to help your child navigate the digital world safely.

Together, we can ensure this holiday season is both safe and joyful—online and offline.