Check the Dos & Donts of Social Media Use: Teaching Children How to Post for Jobs and Scholarships

Don't let the online world harm your child's future. Learn how to cultivate quality Digital Citizens who are media-savvy, along with the Do's and Don'ts of creating a global-level profile.

Digital Citizen vs Digital Victim: How to teach your child to use social media so they are accepted by the world and avoid becoming victims.

In a world that moves at the touch of a finger, every like, share, or comment your children make doesn't disappear; it is recorded as a "Digital Footprint" forever. Modern parents face a major challenge: how to teach their children not to become "Digital Victims" but to step forward as "Digital Citizens" who are accepted worldwide and use online platforms as gateways to a global future.

Understanding the difference between Digital Citizen and Digital Victim: The fine line parents must guide.

Many mistakenly believe forbidding children from using social media is the best solution. In reality, blocking access may deprive children of crucial 21st-century skills. The key is to clearly distinguish their roles.

• Digital Victim: A person controlled by algorithms, lacking critical thinking, believing fake news, being lured or accidentally posting inappropriate content that damages their future reputation, including being a victim of online bullying (Cyberbullying).
• Digital Citizen: Someone who is "media literate," uses technology responsibly, respects others' rights, and knows how to use online spaces to create beneficial content and opportunities for themselves.

Why is Digital Footprint more important than GPA?

Data from top educational institutions and global companies indicate that "social media history" has become a key criterion for admissions or job consideration. A positive Digital Footprint acts like a powerful portfolio, whereas a negative footprint can close doors for your child for life.

Three media literacy skills to instill before it's too late.

Building digital immunity begins with conversation and understanding—not with fault-finding.

1. Think before you post: Teach your child to always ask, "Will this post harm me five years from now?" A moment of fun might become a lifelong stain.
2. Verify before believing: In the age of Deepfake and Clickbait, children must learn to check sources and avoid sharing hateful or damaging rumors.
3. Respect privacy: Not just their own, but also others'. Not violating others' rights (PDPA) is basic global citizenship etiquette.

Do's & Don'ts: The social media guide to building a Global Profile.

To prepare for becoming the Global Citizens that universities and international organizations seek, here are the recommended practices and warnings.

Do: What to do (gain advantages).

• Showcase Skills: Use social media to display work such as art, volunteer activities, or science projects.
• Engage Positively: Comment constructively and exchange knowledge within interest groups.
• Curate Your Feed: Follow pages or people who inspire you, so algorithms promote learning.
• Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings appropriately, separating "Public Profile" (work/achievements) from "Private Profile" (personal matters).

Don't: What to avoid (lose opportunities).

• Toxic Speech: Using vulgar language, or hate speech based on gender, race, or religion is universally unacceptable.
• Oversharing: Posting your home address, school, or too much personal information risks safety.
• Bullying Participation: Liking or sharing posts that bully others supports wrongdoing.
• Illegal Content: Posting images of alcohol consumption (while still in school), gambling, or illegal activities.

Parents as the first 'Digital Mentor'.

Creating Digital Citizens cannot happen by the child alone. Parents must shift from being "rule enforcers" to "mentors" who guide, learn alongside their children, and model good media use.