039: Putting Kids On Social Media

The ABC's Of Preschool

In this episode, Ms. Amber dives into the complex and evolving topic of sharing our children’s lives on social media. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and as a mom of five, Amber brings a thoughtful perspective on the ethical implications and impacts of documenting and broadcasting our kids' lives online. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about this issue, this episode offers valuable insights into the pros and cons of social media exposure for children.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 03:12] Personal Reflections on Social Media

• Amber reflects on her journey with social media, from early days on Facebook to modern vlogging.

• The evolution of documenting children’s lives and how past practices compare with today’s digital landscape.

[03:13 - 08:45] Ethical Considerations

• The ethical dilemma of filming and sharing every aspect of a child’s life.

• Insights from the Ruby Frank case, exploring the consequences of extreme public exposure and the impact on children’s privacy and safety.

[08:46 - 12:54] Impact on Mental Health

• Discussion on the potential mental health effects of being constantly on display and the pressure to be "camera-ready."

• The psychological implications of having a digital record of every moment of childhood.

[12:55 - 16:20] Exposure to Public Scrutiny

• How public scrutiny and online trolls can affect children.

• The risks of negative comments, exploitation, and the potential for future scrutiny.

[16:21 - 18:30] Parental Responsibility and Boundaries

• The importance of setting boundaries to protect children’s privacy.

• Amber’s perspective on balancing the desire to document family life with respecting children’s autonomy and ensuring their well-being.

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You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“We need to set healthy boundaries with our kids and social media in the sense of what we put online.” - Ms. Amber

“A lot of social media out there is rainbows and butterflies. And that's not life. Life is hard.” - Ms. Amber

“Life is freaking hard. It's like the yin and yang.” - Ms. Amber