Social media for parents: 5 powerful ways to lead by example

February is the month of love yet this has also been a month of great pain for Indians across the world. Even as we pay respect to our brave martyrs in Pulwama, we are also witnessing great anger, grief and sorrow across the country. This rage is spilling on to social media platforms too.[READ: Lost someone you loved?] and [READ: The Wisest Lesson I learned in 2018]

Let's remember that our brave men in the defence forces are not the only ones to have made a supreme sacrifice for the motherland. Their families too deserve our love, care and respect, for they too make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation - they are the champions who hold their heads high for the nation. We owe them more than our words can ever convey. We owe them decency. We owe them basic humanity.

But there's one thing we need to do. It's our duty to the nation and to ourselves.

Here it is:

Don't spread hatred or fake news.

Don't share gory images that may not be authentic in the first place.

Do not share irresponsibly.

Your actions on social media have grave legal consequences.

The more we read WhatsApp forwards, tweets and FB LIVE on the subject by multiple people, the more hatred and mis-information is amplified.

In the midst of such a grave situation in the country, it is important to exercise self-restraint and value our time and that of others. Let's not forget that, as parents, we also set an example to our children.

By valuing time and choosing what to focus on responsibly, we leave with our children a positive and lasting legacy.

We teach them to choose their battles responsibly and not to pick fights over matters that concern the nation's sovereignty.

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A quick check list to sum up how NOT to post on social media:

1. Avoid speculation on social media about what the Indian defence forces should do or not do.

2. Do not spread hatred and fake news.

3. Do not make apologies for terrorists.

4. Avoid social media debates on an issue that pertains to the country's defence forces and the government.

5. Make sure that you share information responsibly on social media platforms.

Ask yourself first, "What value do I add to my conversations by sharing this?"

A fine way to help would be to volunteer for a good cause pertaining to the armed forces.

Make donations for the well being of the martyrs and their loved ones.

Do something creative. Sing a song. You can write a poem, make a painting, get involved in a creative project that makes you feel better and at peace with what is happening around you.

As parents, we have many choices on how to calibrate our reactions.

The best that we can do for the nation is to avoid spreading hate, act in the interest of the country and do what is best for our children by setting an example.

What else should parents consider while sharing social media posts?

Do share your views on this!

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