Advice re social media

[sunshine175]

DD (12) ASD has stayed clear of social media thus far. A 'friend' from school persuaded her to join instagram but she didn't tell us. Found out today. I had a look at her profile - she has been posting 22 pictures in 3 days. Lots of things about her diagnosis and things she feels strongly about, selfies etc. but to 'friends' that don't know about her diagnosis so that is now public knowledge.

She is really upset that she has done something wrong. She is socially vulnerable and I was just wondering how other people have tackled this area. I don't want to be over controlling but do need to keep her safe. We have talked about it before and I thought she understood about online safety but I think we need some clearer rules. Im a bit in shock and would really appreciate any ideas.

It is a particularly tough one to get right. On the hand, being the parent of a special needs child means having to keep a much closer eye on them, on the other we still need to give them some space.

It might be worth printing out a list of things she can & cannot do when online. That way, she is unlikely to accidentally do something she shouldn't. Also, my son (ASD too) really likes the Horrible Histories videos about staying safe online. They include about not posting personal information when you don't know who can see them. www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe

Thanks Im going to have a look at that site with her. Managed to get her to show me her site and we looked at what pictures her friends were posting. Thankfully she realised she was very different in what she was posting and the amount so she deleted some awful selfies and we have started to make some rules e.g don't post more than once a day, pictures have be ok for a photo album, noone else in pictures unless give permission etc. early days but at least we are talking. I don't want to ban her but will have to keep an eye on it - didn't realise how naive she is about keeping self safe. It didn't occur to her that people could copy or show others what she posted.