Since vicious cybercriminals are targeting kids online, and social media interactions have destructive power, foster parents play a key role in protecting the well-being of the children and teens in their care. Past pain and trauma make foster kids especially vulnerable to online dangers.
What can you do to protect these kids from online bullying and danger? Consider these nine guidelines:
- Understand the Risks: First, respect agency laws and regulations regarding what may or may not be shared online, including full name, location, school, photos, etc. Be aware of threats of cyberbullying; watch for plummeting self-esteem or mental health that might signal this type of bullying. Be aware that online predators might specifically target kids in the foster system. In addition, realize that exposure to certain content could trigger your child’s memories of emotional trauma or anxiety.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules for social media use, like screen time limits, approved platforms, and content restrictions. Explain why these rules are in place as you emphasize that you’re concerned about your child’s safety and well-being.
- Communicate Openly: Create an environment where you can easily discuss your foster children’s online engagement, chat about online habits, and answer questions honestly.
- Monitor Social Media and Computer Use: Monitor your kids’ accounts to make sure there are no unsafe activities occurring. Use parental control apps and consider setting up shared accounts. Consider requiring that computers be used only in home locations visible to all.
- Teach Safe Online Practices: Encourage strong passwords and privacy settings. Explain the importance of not sharing personal information like location, phone number, or foster care status. Forbid interacting with strangers online; openly discuss possible consequences of doing so.
- Promote Positive Digital Behavior: Teach online respect and kindness, and reinforce the importance of positive interactions. Encourage kids to think critically about everything they post and to consider potential impact, both good and bad. Remind your kids that, like our live conversations, online words have power. They can build people up or tear them down.
- Be Mindful of Emotional Needs: Some foster children may want to use social media to connect with biological family or friends. If managed well, this practice can be healthy and good. If not, it can backfire. The key is to manage this well and be attentive to ensure such interactions are safe and appropriate. Watch for signs of any emotional distress related to online communications, including withdrawal, anxiety, or changes in behavior.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with trends in social media and its most popular platforms among children and teens. Tune in to the fads and know that your foster children and teens will not want to feel “on the outside” of what everyone is talking about. The more you understand these, the more you can guide and protect your foster child effectively.
- Be a Role Model: Finally, practice safe and respectful social media and online communication yourself. If your foster children and teens see you modeling responsible behavior in your own online decisions, they will likely follow your example.
As a foster parent, you can help your kids navigate potential pitfalls of the digital world and harness its vast potential for good. The goal, of course, is to help your foster children make good choices online. By staying proactive, informed, and supportive, while modeling wise practices, you’ll create an environment where your foster children can feel—and be—cybersafe!
