07/11/2024

Celebrating Social Media Kindness Day: Tips for parents to encourage positive online behaviour

Celebrated annually on 9th November, Social Media Kindness Day is a reminder for all of us to promote positivity, empathy, and kindness in our online interactions. For parents, it’s an great opportunity to guide children on how to be kind and responsible digital citizens.

We're the first generation of social media users and our children have grown up in a world influenced by digital channels. Regardless of how active they are on social media, they've never known a world that didn't include social platforms.

Kids today spend more time online than ever, so embedding a foundation of positive digital behaviour is key. Here are some tips for parents to encourage kindness, empathy, and thoughtful interactions on social media.

Model Kindness and Empathy in Your Own Social Media Use

Children often learn by watching their parents. If they see you sharing positive messages, supporting friends and being respectful in online discussions, they’re more likely to do the same. Try to avoid negativity and drama in your online spaces. Instead, show them how you use social media positively, such as congratulating friends on achievements, sharing useful information, or showing encouragement. This is a double win, as you'll be spreading positivity within your digital community!

Tip: Make a point to talk about any heartening interactions you had online with your child. Share examples that show how good it feels to spread kindness and the impact that has.

Discuss the Power of Words and Digital Permanence

Help children understand that words online can be as impactful as those said in person—and that they last longer. Explain that social media posts, even if deleted, may leave a trace, and it’s important to think before posting or commenting. This can lead to valuable discussions about empathy and considering how their words could affect someone else.

Tip: Encourage them to adopt the “pause and reflect” rule before posting: If they wouldn’t say something to someone in person, they shouldn’t say it online either.

Encourage Them to Celebrate Others’ Successes

Social media can sometimes become a space for competition or comparison. Encourage kids to cheer on their friends, celebrate others’ achievements, and lift each other up instead of focusing on appearances or “likes.” Praising others, sharing in their joy, and supporting their achievements can help build a more positive social media environment.

Tip: Suggest they post positive comments on a friend’s achievement or milestone. For example, a simple “Congratulations!” or “That’s awesome!” on someone’s post can go a long way.

Teach Kids to Be Kind, Even in Conflict

Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable, but online arguments can often spiral out of control because of misunderstandings or impulsive reactions. Teach your child the importance of respectful disagreement and encourage them to avoid taking part in negative exchanges. If they see something that upsets them, suggest they take a break, think about a constructive response, or simply move on.

Tip: Role-play scenarios with your child about handling online disagreements or negative comments. Show them phrases like, “Let’s agree to disagree,” or, “I understand your point of view,” as examples of respectful responses.

Encourage Thoughtful Sharing

Talk to your child about sharing posts that add value to others’ feeds. Thoughtful sharing could include inspiring quotes, helpful resources, or posts that show gratitude. Encourage them to think about whether what they’re posting or sharing will make someone else’s day a little better.

Tip: Encourage your child to make one “kindness post” a week—something simple, like thanking a friend, posting a gratitude list, or sharing a positive story.

Be a Safe Place for Open Conversations

Let your child know they can come to you with questions or if they’re feeling unsure about something online. Having an open line of communication means they’re more likely to ask for your advice when dealing with tricky situations, like peer pressure, online bullying, or exposure to inappropriate content.

Tip: Have regular “social media check-ins” where you casually talk about their online experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “Have you seen anything interesting or surprising online lately?”

Highlight the Importance of Digital Boundaries

Teach your child that kindness also means respecting their own boundaries and others’. Encourage them to take breaks from social media from time to time and to not feel pressured to share everything about their lives online. Help them understand that it’s okay to have a private life offline.

Tip: Try “offline days” as a family—perhaps on weekends or evenings—where everyone takes a break from screens to focus on real-world activities and connections.

Promote Following Positive Influencers

We've heard a lot about negative influencers, who sadly do exist. Counterbalance this by highlighting accounts that spread positivity and kindness. There are whole host of influencers and organizations that focus on spreading awareness, kindness, and mental health resources. Help them understand that they have the power to create a positive space on their social media platforms.

Tip: Together with your child, follow accounts that spread positive messages or that match their interests and values. Encourage them to explore spaces that celebrate their hobbies and passions in inspiring ways.

Encourage Acts of Online Kindness Beyond Words

Simple acts, like sharing a peer’s project or highlighting a friend’s talent, are small ways to spread positivity. Encourage your child to find small ways to make others feel seen and valued online, whether it’s commenting something encouraging or sharing a good-vibe message.

Tip: Suggest a fun family challenge, like “Random Acts of Kindness Week,” where everyone tries to do one online kind act each day.

Wrapping Up: Building Positive Digital Habits Together

Social Media Kindness Day is more than a day of celebration; it’s an invitation to create a positive shift in our online interactions. By guiding our children, we not only help them become kinder digital citizens but also empower them to enjoy social media in a way that builds confidence, empathy, and respect. With these tips, you’ll be able to help your child create a social media presence that spreads kindness and makes a difference. Being this mindful of online behaviour, should also lead to a better digital experience for you too!

Want more guidance? Check out Social Media Kindness Day tips to spread kindness online.  

Barracudas is committed to promoting kindness. We have defined codes of conduct at our activity camps and don’t tolerate negative behaviour.