Making Child Welfare More SocialBrittany Smith, Build Social, LLC

What is Social Media?

Any online platform or channel for publishing and disseminating user-generated content.1

Social media allows us to engage with and empower our communities.ConnectionAccess to information

1. http://heidicohen.com/social-media-definition/

It’s About Relationships

Connection with family and friends is the primary reason.2/3 say staying in touch

is a major reason they use these sites.1

Most online adults describe their experiences using social media in positive terms.2

1. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Why-Americans-Use-Social-Media2. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Social-Networking-Sites

Take it seriously!

63% cent of Canadian social media users read social media status updates every day. 1

Daily Facebook usage in Canada is higher than both the global and U.S. averages.2

1. http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2013/04/29/two-in-three-canadians-use-social-media2. http://www.theprovince.com/technology/internet/

Facebook+releases+stats+about+Canadian+usage+monthly/8785410/story.html3. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/social-networking-sites.aspx4. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Teens-and-social-media

72% of U.S. online adults are social networking site users.3

95% of all U.S. teens ages 12-17 are online and 80% of those teens use social media.4

Positive Benefits

The average user has more close ties and is ½ as likely to be socially isolated.1

65% of teens have had an experience that made them feel good about themselves. 58% have felt closer to another person.2

Young adults who spend more time on Facebook are better at showing “virtual empathy.”3

Youth who use blogs, websites and email to discuss politics and current events become more socially engaged over time.4

1. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Technology-and-social-networks2. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Teens-and-social-media/Summary/Majority-of-teens3. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/10/facebook.aspx4. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/02/friends.aspx

Panic is Normal!

1. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01474.x/full

“Moral panic is a common reaction to new forms of communication.”1

Barriers

Lack of time and staff support

Knowledge and skills

Finding content

Knowing where to start

Confidentiality issues

Policy

Liability

Youth in Care & Social Media

ConnectionSiblingsBio parentsFoster siblingsFriends from previous

placements

Ability to tell their story

Support from peers

Health information

Which Platforms?

Photo- and video-centric applications

Snapchat

Facebook

Instagram

Vine

Tumblr

Youth & Internet Access

One in four U.S. teens are “cell-mostly” internet users — far more than the 15% of adults who are cell-mostly. Among teen smartphone owners, half are cell-mostly.1

You must be mobile!

1. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-and-Tech/Main-Findings/Teens-and-Technology.aspx

Guidelines & Policies

Develop user guidelines/policies for youth and young adults.In partnership with

young people

Focus on empowerment

Develop an internal social media policy for staff.

Crisis plan.

Social Media Trainings

Train staff on why youth use social media and how they’re using it.

Train staff on the social media policy, basics of social media.

Train youth on the risks of benefits of social media – make it fun!Ask youth what they

want to know.

Privacy Settings

www.facebook.com/help/privacy

Social Media Team

http://www.altimetergroup.com/research/reports/how-corporations-should-prioritize-social-business-budgets

Content Management Machine

Buffer App Tweet Deck Hoot Suite

Ending Thoughts

Learn about social media by using it yourself.

Remember, the point is to connect.

Take one small step at a time – think strategically.

When in doubt, ask for help.

Questions?

@ebkcd2

503-477-9221brittany@buildsocialconsulting.comwww.buildsocialconsulting.com

facebook.com/buildsocialconsulting

linkedin.com/company/build-social-llc