Mediation Topics: Social Media Monitoring

It is no secret that social media is a major part of our lives, especially for many preteens and teenagers. Parents in divorce or family mediation with preteens and teenagers often fear that their children’s social media exposure is unhealthy. Some parents have fears of screen addiction, loneliness from a loss of in-person connection, and access to people and internet communities that feel impossible to monitor. Others fear the messaging of some social media platforms- that children/teens have to be “perfect” or live up to a certain unattainable standard, or parents fear there may be an opportunity for online bullying.

Due to these concerns, parents may decide that discussing and agreeing to social media boundaries is necessary and wise during their family mediation. Other parents agree that how the family has approached social media in the past has worked well and will continue in both homes. Both approaches are valid and reflect the uniqueness of each family.

However, while social media boundaries may not be covered in boilerplate mediations, mediations that go beyond the bare minimum can allow for such topics to be discussed, negotiated, and put into writing.

Wanting to mediate a family matter that includes the topic of social media boundaries/monitoring? Contact Kelly today at Kelly@ragenmediation.com.