What To Teach Your Kids About Online And Offline Friendships

Here at Smart Parenting, we’re always finding ways to bring our audience what it needs. We understand that sitting down to digest an information-packed article can be a challenge for parents. Especially when there’s always laundry to fold, meals to make, and kids to drive around. So we made it easier for you to get the expert-backed information you need. Introducing the Smart Parenting Podcast, the audio version of some of our top articles. Smart Parenting Podcast allows you to listen to our content so you can either make the best use of your time or give your eyes a much-needed break from the screens.

Smart Parenting Podcast is exclusively available on the website. If you like what you’re hearing, click this link to browse our episodes. This audio content was created with the help of AI. #SmartParentingListens

The Internet, social media, and constant screen time have added new challenges for today’s parents. Unlike previous generations, we now have to deal with screen time limits, online games, social media interactions, and relationships and friendships formed and maintained online.

There is a vast digital world out there, and just like the real world, we need to guide our children through it. When it comes to online friendships, what should we teach them? What warnings are necessary? How do online friendships differ from in-person ones? Here’s a guide on what to teach kids about online vs. offline friendships.

Offline vs. Online Friendships

Offline friendships are the “regular” kind of friendships. These are the relationships we build through face-to-face regular interactions, shared interests, and physical proximity. Friendships are important for children as it can help them develop emotionally and morally. Kids can learn many social skills when they interact with their friends, like how to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, and even how to control their emotions and respond to the emotions of others.

Moreover, friendships have an impact on children’s well-being, with studies showing that children who enjoy close friendships are more likely to experience high levels of happiness, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Plus, they are less likely to get lonely, depressed, or become victims of bullying.

On the other hand, online friendships are those that are developed or maintained primarily through digital communication platforms such as social media, gaming communities, and forums. Unlike offline friendships, these relationships can transcend geographical barriers, allowing children to connect with peers who share similar interests from anywhere in the world. A research survey found that 88% of teens spend time with their friends online, with around 60% engaging daily.

Online friendships typically rely on common interests more than physical interactions. And while it lacks other communication aspects present in offline friendships such as body language and eye contact, research suggests that online interactions can also foster deep connections with frequent communication and self-disclosure, similar to those formed offline.

Benefits of Online Friendships

Admittedly, online friendships have several benefits, including:

Bigger Social Networks: Digital platforms allow children to connect with a bigger group of peers, eliminating the limits traditional offline friendships face such as physical distance. Digital connections can provide opportunities for children, especially those who might feel isolated or have difficulties forming offline friendships due to social anxiety or other limitations, to find like-minded peers. Moreover, digital platforms can also give neurodivergent children or those with specific interests, a way to establish relationships in a space where they feel understood.

Flexible and Accessible: Online friendships are more flexible, it allows children to maintain relationships even when physical meetings are impossible or impractical. It’s also a convenient way to maintain communication in shared activities, within or outside of schools. Many teens consider interacting online as easier and more convenient than in-person meetups.

The Dangers of Online Friendships

Unfortunately, while online friendships have benefits, they also come with risks. The dangers associated with internet use–such as phishing, scams, cyberstalking, cyberbullying and online predators–are present in online friendships as well. This means that parents should educate their children about these risks and teach them an important lesson: Not everyone online is who they say they are. 

Some people use digital platforms to connect and chat, the reality is, there are some who misuse it for harmful purposes. And as parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are aware of these risks and are properly equipped to handle them safely.

Warning Signs to Look for in Online Interactions

Teach your kids to be cautious and watch for these red flags in their online friendships:

• Their online profile does not match what they say about themselves in chats.
• They prefer to not use their webcam even if the platform supports video chats.
• They want to connect using a different platform other than the one where you first met or used. For example, if you first met on a gaming platform and the person asks to connect with you via Messenger.
• They ask for personal details, such as who else has access to your device or accounts, or where you are at home and who’s with you.
• They ask you to do “tasks” or favors for them and will also do things for you in return–people use favors and promises to gain someone’s trust.
• They ask inappropriate questions or make comments about your body, such as “Have you ever been kissed?”
• They consistently ask to meet up face to face.
• They ask you to keep your friendship a secret.
• If the friendship or conversation does not feel right or comfortable–it’s best to trust your instincts.

What Should Children Do

Parents should always assure their children that they are a safe space, and that their children can approach them any time their online friend makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Here are a few simple steps children can follow:

• Talk to a trusted adult: Encourage your child to speak to you, a guardian, or another trusted adult about what’s happening.
• Screenshot and block: Advise your child to take screenshots of inappropriate conversations and block the person.
• Report the account: Use the platform’s reporting tools to alert moderators of any inappropriate behavior.

Online friendships aren’t inherently bad. In fact, they can offer meaningful connections. But like offline friendships, it’s essential to choose friends wisely and maintain a balance. With guidance, children can enjoy both online and offline friendships in a safe and fulfilling way.

Read here for the best parental control apps.