Ways to Manage Your Child’s Online Reputation

Social Media, in its earliest form, was created to share photos and to connect with friends. Today, social media has evolved and our online reputation is synonymous with who we are both online and off. According to a survey conducted in 2013,  33% of admissions officers report looking at applicants’ social media. They claimed that “what is posted on the internet is considered public knowledge.” Even more alarming, 70% of employers regularly use social media to screen their potential candidates. Therefore parents should monitor their children’s online activity by creating their own social media account. This will help you follow what your child is doing. Don’t be afraid to inform them of what posting certain things would do to their future selves. Most sites have the option to make posts private, which will make it harder for employers to see what they post. Social media is not the enemy, however. If their account showcases their positive attributes, it could actually help them down the line, so posting about accomplishments, and other positive things should be encouraged. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin has several resources to help protect yourself, and your children online.