to make my children read a 'how to use social media safely graphic novel'?

[ReadReflectRepeat]

I am finding that children are becoming reliant on social media and after adolescence was released it opened my eyes to current reality in schools. We can monitor it at home but I want them to be able to take care of themselves on social media when they aren't at home or even when they go to university eventually.

I don't want to become the type of parent that constantly monitors their phones although this works for some parents. I want them to make their own decisions but my deal is that they read these book series. The first one of their series focusses on the effects of social media and food. Its not only using it safely but not being influenced by the fakeness of social media.

Let me know what you think, do you think the books are a good idea?

So interesting to hear there being a comic on this! I think any resource that helps teens build media literacy and critical awareness is brilliant.

I felt the same after watching adolescence. Really opened my eyes especially as I’ve had similar worries about dd 14s social media use (without wanting to become a helicopter parent). Obviously the show is an extreme case, still it’s definitely a wake-up call for how media literacy is such a vital skill for teens to carry into adulthood.

What’s helped dd and me is keeping the convo open. We talk about latest social media posts sometimes and I ask her questions and we sift through how some are BS. Also screen time, private accounts, the Luna app. It’s mostly a health and wellbeing app but after seeing this post I got her lifetime seeing as they’ve got great educational content on online safety too:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHt10KVT884/?igsh=MXZiNDFhNTFxd3I3OQ== VERY handy for parents imo x

Yeah they seem like really good books, love that they've created a different way to educate that doesn't seem educational!

I will take a look at the link, too thank you!

Their is a new app called Imprint.Live too have you heard of it? its supposed to be fully monitored and when they react to stuff it benefits the community as each post is linked to a topic and then the most likes at the end of the month gives a donation to the associated charity for that month! it's all focused on mental wellbeing and screentime!

Its 99p per month, I was wondering if anyone else had heard of it before I try it?

Definitely - the last thing teens would want is to have to "study" something as if 8 hours a day and hours of revision aren't enough for them already! Being able to communicate in a way that speaks to them is a great way for them to genuinely learn and care - reaching their minds through comics, apps, etc are such innovative way to go about them.

I've not heard of it Imprint.live but definitely interested and will take a look, thank you! x

You can’t make them read a book; you can’t make them absorb the information and you can’t make them act on it.

Which books are these?

Really interesting to hear what's worked for you! I love the idea of keeping the convo open like that. My DD’s not keen on reading physical books right now either, so luna sounds like it could be a great alternative. Will definitely take a look, thanks for sharing!

How old are your children OP?

I think the idea of teaching them the risks and letting them make choices is a good one in theory, but it depends on their ages.

You are being very naive.

Think of social media access as access to a beautiful tropical lagoon full of sharks and deadly jellyfish, and maybe reconsider your hands off approach.

Someone else in another thread recommended this app, it did look interesting so I am going to take a look at it for my eldest (12)! Not heard of Imprint but that also sounds good, will look at too!

OP let us know what you end up doing!

Ah but you can spend some 1:1 time reading together, exploring the themes involved through discussion with each other. And my favourite re-reading it together as a way of bond building with child. Have some chips and milk with it too. It packet of crisps or apple slides with peanut butter/ snacks of choice
Who says reading together is just for primary age children anyway?

Also these graphics novels sounds like an awesome idea!! Go for it OP. :)
In curious though, are these graphic novels that exist now or are you planning to create them?
Either way awesome. I Just was hoping they exist now and you could tell us all what they are called so we can go purchase them from a bookshop (not frigging amazon). :)