Social Media 101

Resources, Tips, & Tools for Parents

Social Media Defined

Social Media is defined by Merriam Webster as "forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content."

As the digital age continues to ripen, social media becomes more and more prevalent-- but how do we address its prevalence and use in the lives of our teens and tweens?

Do your research.
Cultivate honest conversations about social media use and digital citizenship.
Establish healthy Internet/social media boundaries and set limits.

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Social Media Statistics

From the Pew Research Center, September 2012

95% of teens ages 12-17 are online
93% of teens ages 12-17 now have their own computer or access to one
78% of teens ages 12-17 have their own cell phone
81% of teens ages 12-17 use some type of social media
77% of teens are online using Facebook
24% of teens are online using Twitter

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Instagram

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kik

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Twitter

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Twitter

https://twitter.com/

Twitter is an information network made up of 140-character messages called Tweets. It's an easy way to discover the latest news related to the subjects you care about. #tweetingforbeginners

Wait, What Is Twitter Again?

Video Tutorials

A Closer Look

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Vine

https://vine.co/

Vine is a free app that enables users to record and share an unlimited number of short, looping videos with a maximum length of six seconds.

Resources

Video Tutorials

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Instagram

https://instagram.com/

Instagram is a an online, mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing, and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and share them on a variety of social networking platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumbl, and Flickr.

Resources

Video Tutorials

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Ask.fm

http://ask.fm/

Ask.fm is a global social networking site where users create profiles and can send each other questions, with the option of doing so anonymously.

Resources

Webwise: Explained: What Is Ask.fm

Video Tutorials

Tech Your Lyfe: How to Use Ask.fm

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Snapchat

https://www.snapchat.com/

Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive "self-destructing" photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called Snaps.

Resources

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Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/

Facebook is a popular, free social networking site that allows registered users to create profiles, upload pictures and video, send messages, and keep in touch with friends, family, classmates, and colleagues.

Resources

Video Tutorials