When Parents Disagree on Social Media Usage for Their Children
Co-parenting can be challenging, and social media adds another layer of complexity. Parents naturally want to protect their children, but differing opinions on social media access can lead to conflict.
Social media can foster connection, community, and learning, but also brings risks. Studies show that it also coincides with a rise in teen mental health issues, and can pose an actual threat to their safety as well. The anonymity of the internet is a convenient way for bullies, and even predators, to cloak their intentions and find a way to access a family’s home or a child’s school.
Minimizing conflict and presenting a united front on social media rules is ideal. A well-crafted parenting plan can outline agreed-upon guidelines, helping prevent future disputes. Key considerations include:
- Age of access: how old do you want your child to be when they gain access to social media?
- What social media platforms can the child use, and to what extent? (Can the child have their own account?)
- What type of content will the child be allowed to post (pictures? Location?)
- How much time will the child be allowed to spend on social media?
- What privacy controls will be in place?
- What parental safety controls will be in place?
- How much access will parents have? (Will the child share an account with their parent? Will the parent have access to passwords, etc.)
While it is ideal for parents to come to mutually agreeable solutions, sometimes it can become necessary for the courts to become involved. If a parent feels they need to seek the court’s help in order to regulate their child’s use of social media while in their co-parent’s custody, an experienced family law attorney can help.
Cardwell Steigerwald Young, LLP
The experienced legal team of San Francisco child custody attorneys at Cardwell Steigerwald Young, LLP can help you put together a strategic plan on the next best steps in your own unique case. Contact our team to begin discussing your case today.
Source:
contracosta.news/2024/12/10/bill-seeks-to-combat-youth-mental-health-crisis-linked-to-social-media/
