Odds are, your family is attached to their smartphones. Social media is a great way to check in and get their attention. However, mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) popping in is not always welcome. We’re sharing some apps that you can use to connect while still maintaining boundaries.

Instagram
This app can be a great way to connect with older kids and grandkids—and as a bonus, if you have Facebook, you’ve already got an account. Posts can be filtered so kids can share the photos they’d like to with family, while keeping others just for friends. The private messaging function also can be useful to communicate without broadcasting everything to
their followers.

WhatsApp
If texting fees are a concern, WhatsApp is a great solution. The messaging app lets you share texts, photos, videos and voice notes for free. If you have family overseas or travel often, this also is an awesome option. Regardless of where in the world you are, you can send and receive messages as long as you have an internet connection. Facebook Messenger and Signal offer similar features.

YouTube
On the surface, YouTube may not seem like a traditional social media platform—after all, it’s a video sharing app. A private channel, however, is a free way to share videos with family. This can be especially meaningful if your grandkids are young and you live far away. Videos of milestones can be uploaded and saved. You also can create and share your own videos. The only people who can view them are those with whom you have shared the link.

BeReal
This app is a unique way to remember to stay in touch. Its main feature is a daily notification that encourages users to share photos and short videos within a two-minute window. It promotes authentic posts—there’s no time to stage or edit photos. It’s a fun way to share your day-to-day life and get a glimpse into your family’s. You can create private groups, so you don’t have to worry about the posts being public.

staying secure
◀ Be aware of what you are sharing. A snapshot may seem innocuous, but before sharing online, you need to double check that it doesn’t include any private information. Avoid making posts that show an address or even something as simple as the name of a school.
◀ Check with others. Your family may not want their kids’ faces to be shared online. Before posting anything, make sure to clear it with parents first.
◀ Don’t overshare. For a lot of social media accounts, you don’t have to have your full name public facing. Consider using your first and middle name when setting up an account. That means more privacy for you, and it can even help protect you agains cybercriminals.

Source: AARP