According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), more than 22 percent of young teens log into their favorite social media at least 10 times a day.

The National Exchange Club is proud to help spread the internet safety awareness through the experience and knowledge of expert Detective Rich Wistocki, Naperville Police Department.

Here are some of the best ways, according to the National Exchange Club, to know how to protect children and know what they’re being exposed to.

  1. Keep devices that provide access to social media out of children’s bedrooms.
  2. Set limits for social media use: consider your child’s age, set time limits, and also encourage activities that don’t include online chatting.
  3. Parents should “friend” and “follow” their children on all social media sites for which they have accounts.
  4. Set a good example – don’t post angry or critical content, and set your own time limits.
  5. Parents should have all their children’s passwords; this includes electronic devices, email, and social media sites. Explain that you may not check every day, but you check in often.
  6. Talk with your children about what are considered social media appropriate content and images – help them understand that everything they post can become public and last forever.
  7. Help them understand that private information should be kept private, and discuss the risks of sharing personal information online.
  8. Set established consequences for when social media rules are broken, and enforce these rules. However, do understand that children make mistakes, and the consequences should be reasonable.

Learn more on National Exchange Club’s website and YouTube channel. NationalExchangeClub.org or youtube.com/user/exchangeclub

These tips are republished courtesy of The National Exchange Club. Exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live. For additional information, please contact The National Exchange Club at info@NationalExchangeClub.org.