Refusing to allow children and youth in foster care to use social media is not realistic in this age of mobile devices and the internet. Plus, keeping foster youth from using social medial can make it harder for them to fit in with their peers.
Using Social Media Safely
You need to give guidance and set boundaries for youth in foster care who use social media. The CPS policy on use of email, the internet, and social media is below.
6481 Online Privacy Expectations of Children and Youth in Foster Care
The caseworker should inform the caregiver and the foster child, youth, or young adult that information posted or shared with others on the Internet or through email is not private. Even with privacy settings, other people may be able to view this information. The caseworker should explain that the individual should take caution when providing any personal information via email or on the Internet or social networking sites.
Tips for safety:
- Set house rules
- What’s okay?
- What’s not?
- Set strict privacy settings
- Learn about social media and apps
- Monitor use
- Teach youth to keep personal information private
- Explain the need to be careful
- Discuss cyberbullying
- Keep lines of communication open
