Gibberish, slang even ‘text-speak’; in any language, teens always seem to develop their own vocabulary – or social media slang. It seems each generation will somehow create its own lexicon.

It isn’t too long ago that ‘text-speak’ is cool to most. Now we see emojis, stickers and GIFS rapidly replacing acronyms, such as [rofl] and [brb].

The Internet revolution has played a major role in how language and conversations have evolved in recent years. The youth now instantly connect with and message each another online. This can sometimes unnerve parents – not knowing
exactly what the child is doing online, who they’re speaking to or what they’re saying. Parents want their children to be safe online and off; and it is a parent’s prerogative to discuss personal or sensitive topics with their children.

As a father of two young children myself, I make every effort to help them navigate the online world. Many parents like myself lead busy lives, and it can sometimes be challenging to have these conversations in person. However, chatting on the same social media platforms that the children are using might be the practical solution. In fact, it will also keep the communication lines open for all parties.

By joining an app, parents can familiarise themselves with the policies that are in use. They can also quickly understand how privacy, safety and security features have better oversights. They can also bridge the communication gap with stickers to express their moods and explore common conversation topics.

Conversations can even come to life on these platforms via voice and video calls.

In supporting this year’s Safer Internet Day (6 February 2018), with the theme – ‘Create, Connect and Share respect: A Better Internet Starts with You’ – here are a few useful tips to consider.

1. Let the child know the same rules apply to both online and offline situations: If it’s not something you want others to do to you, don’t do it to others. Just as you might tell your child to look both ways before crossing the street or to wear a helmet while riding their bike, teach them to think before they share online
2. Try to be a good role model: The adage that children will ‘do as you do, not as you say’ is as true online as it is offline. If you set time restrictions on when your child can use social media or be online (ex: no texting after 10:00pm), follow the same rules
3. Engage early: Research shows that many children, as young as six, have access to smartphones or tablets. Just as you lay the foundation for dialogue and conversation offline with your children early, do the same for online engagement. Talk to them about technology and the ‘do and don’t practice’, before they are on social media. If your teen is on Facebook, consider adding them to your social circle
4. Identify and seize key moments: For example, when your child gets their first mobilephone, it’s a good time to set ground rules. When your child is old enough to join Facebook and other social media, set aside a time to talk about safe-sharing. When your child gets a drivers license, then its critical to discuss the importance of not texting and driving
5. Trust yourself: Typically, you can adopt the same parenting style for your child’s online activities as you do for their offline activities. If you find that your child responds best to a negotiated agreement, create a contract that you can both sign. Or, maybe your child just needs to know the basic rules
6. Ask your children to teach you: Not on Facebook? Or, maybe you’re interested in trying a streaming music service? If your children are already familiar with these apps and sites, they can be an excellent resource. The
   conversation can also serve as an opportunity to talk about issues of safety, like privacy and security. For example, you can ask them questions about
   privacy settings as you set up your own Facebook account. And, as most parents know all too well, your child will likely appreciate the opportunity to teach you.

These tips, when understood fully, will help parents better educate their children and themselves to navigate the forever evolving Worldwide Web.

Keep in mind that this list is only a starting point and may not exactly fit the needs of all families — the important thing is having the right conversations are being made. More critical – both parents and children must speak the same social media language.

Originally written by: Alvin Tan, Head of Public Policy (Southeast Asia) at Facebook

(Cover picture and pictures: TechSpot)