“Talk to your kids about being smart with their smartphones” - Expert
“Even if you delete a post and someone has taken a screenshot of your post, you don’t have any control over it anymore," warns social media expert Magriet Groenewald.
“Parents, we need to teach our kids to use their smartphones responsibly. Social media (and the internet) has almost become like a tattoo”, says social media expert and founder of Magriet.co, an online Social Media Business School. She warns that whatever you post today could go on to haunt you ten years from now. "Once it’s out there on the internet, it lives on forever,” warns Magriet Groenewald.
READ: Dot Bekker shares her journey of 20,000km through African countries
This creative guru is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers to show up online, connect authentically, and sell more, but she’s also extremely concerned about the younger generation and the lack of knowledge parents have about social media and how to guide, monitor, manage, and protect their children.
She urges parents to talk to their kids about being smart with their phones and to always remember that the “screenshot” is a game-changer.
“Even if you delete a post and someone has taken a screenshot of your post, you don’t have any control over it anymore.”
READ: Leanne Manas shares her victory with late friend Vuyo Mbuli
Parents should pay attention and teach their kids the following:
Before posting, they should ask themselves whether the post or the content that they’re about to upload can be seen by:
a. Their parents or grandparents?
b. Their friends’ parents?
c. Their teacher or principal?
d. The police?
e. Scammers or pedophiles?
f. Future universities or colleges?
g. Future employers?
“If the answer is no to any of these questions, then do not post it."
According to Groenewald, social media and the internet has great benefits for the younger generation, but it is our responsibility as parents to guide them in order to use them safely.
READ: Life coach uses naked hike for men to help them overcome fears
During her seven exciting years in the industry, she has been the expert driving force behind numerous successful marketing campaigns for well-known clients, including Schalk Bezuidenhout, Minki van der Westhuizen, Hykie Berg, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Simoné Pretorius (Nortmann), Leandie du Randt, Anel Alexander, Erns Grundling, Neels van Jaarsveld, Katinka Die Kat, Angelique Gerber, Nico Panagio, and more.
Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.