[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you think back on your childhood and teen years, chances are you had a few role models you looked up to. Maybe they were people you saw on TV, a teacher at your school, or someone in your community. Role models help shape growth and development by educating, inspiring, and influencing behavior. While this is a great thing when role models are healthy and positive, <\/span>children and teens who look up to individuals with problematic beliefs and behaviors can shift development in negative ways<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In an era where we are increasingly exposed to an endless variety of influences via the internet and other digital media, <\/span>helping children find positive role models online (and avoiding negative ones) is more important than ever<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the digital space, role models come in various forms\u2014 from YouTubers, podcasters, and Instagram influencers to sports stars, educators and philanthropists. <\/span>Positive role models can inspire children to pursue their passions<\/b>, teach valuable life skills, promote self-esteem, and demonstrate healthy social behaviors. However, <\/span>the online world also exposes them to less desirable influences<\/b> that may promote unrealistic beauty standards, problematic beliefs, or inappropriate behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n A positive online role model should exhibit qualities that you\u2019d be proud to have your child aspire to. They should reflect healthy, aspirational attributes without encouraging materialism, fame-seeking, selfishness, disturbing beliefs, or chronic negativity. <\/span>Positive role models <\/b>inspire creativity<\/b><\/a>, perseverance, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.<\/b> These figures often engage in community service, promote educational content, support good causes, or teach new skills.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Discuss what makes a good role model<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Engage in discussions with your children about who their role models are and why they look up to them. Share your own role models and what\u2019s important to you about these individuals. This conversation can give insights into your child\u2019s interests and values and opens up a dialogue about what attributes constitute a positive role model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Discuss the importance of character traits such as kindness, honesty, creativity, and resilience. Talk about people you see in your real life and online, and how their behavior aligns with being a good or a poor role model.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Explore together<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Spend time together exploring different online platforms and discovering new influencers that align with positive values. This can not only be a bonding experience but also allows you to guide your child in evaluating online content. You can periodically share profiles and content from individuals who model the kinds of things you\u2019d like your kids exposed to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Set boundaries and use tools<\/b><\/p>\n Utilize <\/span>parental control tools<\/span><\/a> to manage and monitor your child\u2019s online activity to help ensure they aren\u2019t spending time consuming content from potentially problematic individuals or accounts. Platforms like Qustodio offer features that help filter out inappropriate content and manage screen time simply and effectively. For more helpful guidance on this topic, check out these articles on <\/span>using social media in healthy ways<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>deciding how much screen time is healthy<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Encourage critical thinking<\/b><\/p>\n Teach your children to think critically about the information and various personalities they encounter online. Encourage them to question and reflect on the messages conveyed by their favorite online personalities and how they align with their personal values.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Highlight a variety of role models<\/b><\/p>\n Expose your child to a diverse range of role models who excel in different fields such as science, art, literature, and social causes. This diversity can broaden their horizons and inspire them to explore various interests and passions. Helping kids move beyond the realm of pop culture and trending personalities.<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Be a role model yourself<\/b><\/p>\n Parents and caregivers are a child\u2019s first and most important role models! Demonstrate healthy digital habits by being mindful of your own online behaviors. Share your experiences and what you consider positive content online. By acting as a role model yourself, you set an important example for your children to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25123140\/2024-09-Blog-How-to-find-positive-role-models_InsideImage.jpg” alt=”choosing positive online role models for kids” title_text=”2024-09 %91Blog%93 How to find positive role models_InsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nIdentifying positive role models<\/b><\/h2>\n
Tips for parents to encourage positive role models online<\/b><\/h2>\n
Implementing age-appropriate strategies<\/b><\/h2>\n