The endless generational dilemma for parents remains unchanged through the changing times: why do kids think their parents are uncool? While this is more common among adolescents, younger kids may have this perception as well, given how early they’re introduced to social media and trends.
Parents should not struggle to be something for the short term, or at least let the kid grow and understand how difficult it is to be an adult. Being uncool means keeping it real, focusing on what matters, and showing kids the importance of not trying to impress others all the time.
But when it comes to technology, it truly is difficult to keep up with children. However, as an adult, you should be able to understand how tech works so you can better take advantage of it and protect your devices. In addition, being a role model for how you use gadgets is essential for kids to see. So, here’s how to do it.
Start with the basics: cybersecurity
Anyone can use social media and navigate websites, but not everyone knows how to distinguish between safe and sketchy websites or links. This seemingly unimportant difference can become the cause of a cyber-attack, leaving you with compromised data and even fewer finances.
It’s best for both you and your kids to take all necessary precautions to avoid data breaches and other account compromises, given how quickly hackers can steal data and use it to their advantage. For example, start by getting a password manager that securely stores the passwords for all accounts, including email and socials, in one place. This software solution ensures no one can guess the passwords or use them in chain-like attacks, since they are protected by end-to-end encryption and passkeys that provide a secure login process.
Given how many apps teenagers use daily, remembering all their passwords is impossible, so providing the right solution is necessary.
Keep yourself updated with social media news
Every now and then, social media apps will introduce new features or collaborate with other projects to improve the user experience. Knowing what’s new can help you better understand the social media circle and make you the tech-savvy parent in the neighborhood. For instance, knowing how the TikTok US deal could impact kids’ safety on the app, or how WhatsApp strengthens security with passkey protection for chat backups, is ideal in the age of rapid change.
If you’d like to engage in interesting conversations with your kids, try discussing the predictions for 2026 regarding social media:
- Facebook will bring the metaverse closer than ever with the Horizon Worlds integration;
- The Instagram video editing app will start charging users for the full feature set in the app;
- Snapchat will make it easier for users to leverage the AR creation tools, in addition to the AR glasses;
- TikTok’s ecosystem will include more gaming streams to promote streamers’ efforts;
Read More: Digital Parenting: Guiding Children Through Tech And Social Media
Watch out for signs of online bullying
According to teenage rules, it is not cool to show vulnerability or ask for help, but as parents, we must be wary of the risks when kids face challenges. This is the case of cyberbullying, which happens when other children cause distress to their peers in repeated ways through online gossip and rumors. Other occurrences include sharing personal information online without consent, inappropriate image tagging, and creating fake accounts in someone’s name.
Over time, these things affect children, leading them to behave differently at home, at school, and even with their gadgets. These are some of the signs to expect:
- Withdrawing from gatherings with family and friends;
- Declining grades and loss of interest in homework;
- Being more withdrawn, anxious, or even frustrated;
- Being secretive about phone use and online activities;
- Stopping to use the phone and other devices suddenly;
Always keep an eye on your kids, and if these signs persist, talk to school teachers to find out the reasons for the bullying and put a stop to it. In some jurisdictions or cases, certain forms of cyberbullying are against the law, so make sure to check.
Read More: Narcissists and Psychopaths Online: 3 Ways To Handle Cyberbullying and Trolls
Spend more time with your kids
Offline activities are among the best ways to get to know each other and show interest in each other as people. Teenagers might go through challenging times at this age, which is why spending time with them can help them open up to you.
As a parent, showing up is usually enough to show you care, but balancing work and responsibilities with playing games with kids can be tough. However, we encourage you to get close to your teen. You could suggest they capture all the time spent together with videos and pictures, which they can post online when you:
- Make dinner together and totally nail it;
- Go to a festival where one of their favorite artist sings;
- Plan a weekend trip somewhere;
- Go to the gym together;
- Film a movie to showcase the personality of the family;
Support their artistic endeavors online
Many teenagers start to discover a talent or hobby they can share with online communities. Some like photography or singing, while others are into abstract things like digital retro-modernism. Whatever their skills, helping them build an online community by offering support for their photographic interests, or even just by sharing their creations on your account, can help you get closer to them. Luckily, with so many tools available, teenagers can pursue their dreams, but parents’ support is immeasurably helpful.
Are you a cool parent?
Being cool in front of your kids is like a never-ending challenge. However, sometimes being cool means protecting your kids from cyberbullying, making time for them, and even supporting their passions. If you feel unsure about your knowledge of the digital world, you could start by prioritizing cybersecurity, learning more about social media, and using it to share your creations online.
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