IF YOUR KIDS VLOG, GET INVOLVED!

With 13 per cent of 11 to 16 year olds vlogging or running their own blog, Emma says parents need to pay attention

In recent abresearch, young people rated being a vlogger or a blogger as their most popular career choices – and with millionaire Youtubers like Zoella, it’s no surprise.

My boys both have Youtube channels and I genuinely approve, because anything that gives them confidence and sees them making their mark on the world is a good thing – but safety is paramount.

Research has shown that only around half of parents in the UK have spoken to their children about what they share online. That’s not OK! The web allows anyone with a camera to get involved, but it also opens up the possibility of making connections with less positive influences. Vloggers are often bullied, and if your kid has confidence issues, you need to help them consider how relentless attacks online could affect them. Children often only think about the here and now. Zoella is a good example of this – she shared some unkind comments as a teen and has had to apologise since.

Explain that vlogs and blogs will be there forever. Have clear rules about no-nos, including revealing which school they attend and where they live. Also, police their channels to ensure you know what they are saying and can pre-empt them getting into hot water. I think the positives of vlogging outweigh the negatives. Kids like sharing their worlds and these fun pastimes can be a way to archive their lives as young people, as long as they do it safely, which is where you come in – talk often and keep track.