Hi, Reader -

Fall is in full swing. I just spoke in Blue Hill, Maine at the public library and it was so beautiful. The ocean waves were very soothing to my nervous system. Need some Maine scenery to lift up your day? Here you go.

​Growing Up in Public is 1.99 on Kindle for the next 2 days! (and 15.99 in hardcover) This is your chance to read it with those friends in your bookclub or colleagues in your PLN! GET IT NOW!

Want to talk it over with colleagues or friends? Free parent and teacher discussion guides are linked here. (Scroll down to find.)
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After you get it, please review it here. You don't have to compose a long review: even a quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating helps authors like me get chance to write another book.

Meta's New Instagram Accounts for Teens

What to make of the new Teen Instagram Accounts? Meta says
Teens between 13 and 15 that currently have accounts will have new restrictions going forward. If they have put in their birthdate accurately (which is a big if, according to the families I've interviewed.)

According to Meta, teen accounts on Instagram will now default to more private settings. Honestly, this would be a good default for ALL users. Theoretically, kids will only get messages from their exisiting contacts. Again, if this works, it could be an improvement.
But defaulting to more privacy might be better for all users.

Meta also claims to that for this age group, "offensive words" will be filtered out of messages and comments. Once concern I have: This may just drive teens to continue develop secretive slang, a strategy many of them already use to address content filtration.

The app also says it will block late night messages, but what about having teens just keep the phone out of their rooms? In the end, because age verification is such a Pandora's Box, I'd prefer to see social media get better for ALL of us. Less invasive algorithmic tracking for all of us! Faster response to harassment complaints for ALL users.

My bottom line: These new accounts are not, in and of themselves, bad or good. Nothing can substitute for talking with your kids about social media, assessing their readiness, supporting them on having boundaries about who to connect with and balancing time and offline.

We also need to listen to kids, rather than simply attempt to control their experience. Who do they want to connect with? What do they love or hate about a certain app.

In the end, these changes are the company's attempt to get out a head of being regulated. But... I WANT these powerful companies regulated.

As always, I'd talk to your kids, model great behavior online, and offer empathy for the challenges of growing up in a connected world.

If your teen is in this age group and notices a big transformation (positive or negative) in their experience on Instagram, I'd love to hear from them (or you!)

Wishing you some cozy times with your favorite fall treat,
​
Devorah

1013 Wesley Ave, Evanston, IL 60202 website​
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