Despite being tech savvy, there’s a line in the sand that I won’t cross when it comes to keeping my family safe online. Social media requires me to maintain a constant online presence for my Tech Savvy Mama brand but that image is carefully curated to maintain my family’s privacy. I carefully evaluate apps, websites, and new social media tools, scrutinizing them for features that could jeopardize our privacy while being mindful of what I share.
There’s a reason why I’ve asked my kids to take off their school spirit wear before taking a photo of them with a product that will be featured on my blog or capturing their thoughts for a YouTube video. I don’t want to divulge what school they attend. There’s a reason why I won’t leave our neighborhood’s Yahoo Group in favor of hopping on the bandwagon to join a new communication tool. It requires address verification as your membership. There’s a reason why I won’t join the Facebook page for my kids’ school. First of all, who has time for yet another Facebook Group but it also gives away where they spend most of the day when they’re not with me. There’s a reason why I’ll turn off geolocation services on my phone when I’m home. I might as well post a Google Maps link to our house. There’s a reason why we’ve always had age appropriate conversations to teach our kids about digital safety.
Even though so much of my life is public, there’s an intense desire to keep a big part of it private for my kids’ sake. As fellow parents, I know you can understand. After all, we always want the best for our kids and their safety is always a priority but keeping them safe and preserving their digital footprint is hard in this wired world that we live in.
These days we’re constantly connected, using digital technology to learn, keep up with friends, have a little fun with new gaming apps, and streamline our lives and save money through online shopping and money saving apps. Even though technology has its benefits and provides incredible opportunities, there are things that every family needs to consider in order to make positive and safe decisions.
National PTA has partnered with LifeLock to share awesome ways families can create an open, evolving conversation about positive, safe decisions when using digital tools. It’s all part of having a happy, healthy lifestyle. For you, your family, your friends, and the whole world – everyone benefits when you #ShareAwesome! The #ShareAwesome campaign seeks to build an understanding among parents and students that no matter the device, the app or the networking site – the skills we need to be safe and positive online are similar to what you need offline.
The #ShareAwesome contest invites social media users to share a smart and safe decision, uplifting accomplishment, or positive action for the good of others using hashtag #ShareAwesome on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. To enter, simply enter a photo before November 30, 2014 to be eligible to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship! Visit ShareAwesomeNow.org to learn more.
I love that #ShareAwesome celebrates students and families who use digital media and tools for good – good for themselves, their family, their friends and the whole world. It’s positive and thoughtful as we seek to raise the next generation of digital citizens.
Just remember to gently remind your kids to turn off their geotagging before sharing their photo!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
