Column: Be proactive with children and social media – CNHI

August 15, 2025 by Teen access to social media is one of the most highly debated topics when it comes to parenting. I am a firm believer that the more you forbid your child from doing something, the more it makes them want it. Growing up I had a close friend with strict parents. That led to her sneaking around behind their backs doing what she wanted, making bad decisions as a teen. So I knew I never wanted to be that type of parent. My rule with my teens is that they can be on Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat or whatever, as long as I am on their friend list. I can check their account at any time. This leads to my 40-year-old self not knowing what I’m doing on SnapChat other than taking photos with silly filters. The other day someone added me as a friend. It said he added me after someone else tagged me in their snap. I added them back, figuring it was one of my daughter’s friends. A couple hours later the man started messaging me. Imagine my shock of horror when I opened them to see something I’d never imagined I’d be looking at
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