We understand that as parents, you might have concerns about your child’s social media use and its impact on their future.
Over the past 3 years I’ve worked with 4500+ teenagers on Social Media and Personal Branding workshops
And one thing I always say is “Social Media is neither good nor bad – it’s how you use it that is good or bad”
From the days I had a Vic20, Commodore 64 and Amiga computer parents have been saying to teenagers “You spend too much time on your computer” and the modern equivalent is “You spend too much time on your phone”
WHY PARENTS SHOULD TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN SOCIAL MEDIA?
Parents, understanding your teenager’s social media use is crucial for supporting their future career
I want this blog to facilitate a real discussion between teenagers and parents so that they work together to build their best possible life and career and learn from each other.
The world of work has changed since you started your career.
In your parents day there was such a thing as a job for life.
If you’re in your 40’s chances are now you will have had 3-5 different roles.
Your children may have 6 different careers by the time they retire.
Social Media plays a huge role in how they conduct their job search and also build than personal brand
HERE ARE SOME STATS TO BACK UP THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING AND JOBS ONLINE
- 61 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs each week
- 6 people are hired every minute through LinkedIn
- There are 140 job applications submitted every second on LinkedIn
- 85% of jobs are filled via networking with personal and professional connections.
- Up to 70% of employees received their current company position through networking.
- 79% of Americans agree that networking plays a vital role in their career progression.
- The average 45 year old spends 2 hours a day on social media
- The average 16 year old spends 3 hours a day on social media
Here are a series of questions teenagers can ask their parents about social media and their career
I hope this makes both teenagers and parents think about social media, their careers and the opportunities
When you approach social media with insight and possibility great things happen
Q: Which do you use more – social media for business / career or social media for personal?
Q: What platform do you spend most time on?
Q: Have you ever used Social Media for your career or job? And what’s been your best opportunity that’s come from social media?
Q: Have you ever used social media to learn a new skill or join a professional group?
Q: How many followers do you have across social media and do you think that has helped or hindered you?
Q: How much time a day do you spend on Social Media a day for your work?
Q: Have you ever done an audit of your own social media posts to check there’s nothing offensive / embarrassing on there?
Q: Who uses Social Media well in your business / company?
Q: Social Media, Face 2 Face networking or both? Which is the best option to make a name for myself?
Q: Does your employer have someone in the business dedicated to social media?
Q: We were told that 93% of purchasing decisions are influenced by social media – what have you bought because of social media?
Q: Who do you think uses Social Media well in your industry? Is your business leading or is it behind the rest of the industry?
Q: Who do you think comes across as a bit of idiot on social media and why?
Q: I want to be ______ when I’m older – who would you suggest I follow in social media for advice?
Q: Where do you think ________ industry will be in 5-10 years because of tech? Will the job still be the same?
Q: I use Instagram and Snapchat for personal social media – where are most of the people in ________ industry on social media?
Q: Are there any bloggers or podcasts you think I should listen to?
Q: Is there anyone in your social media network you could introduce me to to chat about work experience / internships?
Q: I’ve heard LinkedIn recommendations are really important for careers – how many do you have?
Q: Who else in our extended family do you think I should chat to about their social media usage?
Q: What would be the best thing I could do on Social Media to stand out amongst all the other people going for the same job?
AN OPEN DIALOGUE
The discussion is a two-way street where parents can learn from teenagers as well
In some ways teenagers will know more about social media than the adults. The parents will bring real life experience of social media in the workplace vs social media for fun.
At the end of the discussion recap on
– What you have learnt about social media as a teenager?
– What you have learnt about social media as a parent?
TAKE ACTION
What actionable steps can you take next?
By the end of the discussion you should get a much more rounded viewpoint of social media.
You both should be in a better place for it.
Is it launching a social media training programme for new starters at your business?
Is it helping your teenager navigate LinkedIn?
Is it using LinkedIn to find work experience placements?
If you have any questions on social media that this blog have inspired do ask via email on alex@altrinchamhq.co.uk
PERSONAL BRANDING WORKSHOPS FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS
Your child’s future is too important to be left to chance: 121 Personal Branding & Social Media workshops for young people attending with a parent / guardian
We’re now opening this up to 121 hands on workshops for both young people attending with a parent / guardian
Our 121 workshops will include
* What Is A Personal Brand?
* How To Use Social Media To Build Your Personal Brand
* The Importance Of Creating Content
* Playing To Your Strengths On Social Media
* Setting Up Your LinkedIn & Using It To Its Full Potential
* How to build your network
* Why the “old boys club” and “old girls network” is important?
* Twitter For Careers
* Social Media Privacy Settings and How To Safeguard Your Future
Full info here https://www.altrinchamhq.co.uk/personal-branding-and-social-media-workshops-for-16-18-year-olds-manchester/
