YouTube can be a fantastic tool for students to showcase their skills and interests, helping them stand out in college applications or even future job searches. By creating videos that highlight their unique talents, kids can shape their online presence in a positive way. Here’s a guide for parents on how to help your child use YouTube safely and effectively to enhance their online reputation.
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Importance of building a positive online reputation:
59% of admissions officers believe that what students post online can impact admissions decisions, considering it “fair game”. However, it’s important to note that social media checks are not typically a standard part of the admissions process.
32% of UK workers overall feel they have compromised future career prospects by posting online
38% of UK workers acknowledged that if a potential employer saw their posts, it would harm their chances of being hired
How Can Students Use YouTube to Showcase Their Talents?
Students can use YouTube to display their skills and passions in creative and engaging ways. They can include their videos as part of their resumes or even be part of platforms like LinkedIn.
Here’s how they can make the most of it:
- Create Content That Reflects Their Strengths: Whether your child excels in a language, cooking, programming, or sports, they can create high-quality videos that highlight their abilities. For example, if your child loves cooking, they could share simple recipe videos.
- Turn Their Google Results Into a Strong Resume: By creating meaningful and positive YouTube content, students can shape how they appear online. Colleges and employers are increasingly looking at applicants’ digital footprints, and positive videos can make a lasting impression.
- Showcase Passion Projects: Your child can use YouTube to document passion projects, volunteer work, or club activities. This can provide a well-rounded view of who they are beyond their resume.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using YouTube Safely and Effectively
Here’s a simple, safe way for your child to build a positive online presence on YouTube:
- Plan and Discuss: When your child is ready to build their online presence (recommended for kids 13+), sit down with them and create a plan. Establish guidelines together, and consider creating a family media agreement to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Use Their Real Name: Encourage your child to use their real name in their YouTube username (e.g., YouTube.com/TomClaption to make sure their videos show up when someone searches their name on Google.
- Choose a Subject to Teach: Help your child decide what topic they are passionate about or skilled in. Whether it’s cooking, coding, sports, or volunteering, choosing a topic that they can teach others will help them stand out.
- Create and Upload the Video: Record a video where your child teaches or demonstrates their skills. Edit the video and upload it to YouTube in “Unlisted” mode, which means it won’t be visible to the public right away.
- Rename and Publish: Give the video a clear title, including your child’s full name and the subject of the video. Once you’ve reviewed it together and you’re comfortable, switch the video to “Public.”
- Use a Professional Profile Photo: Encourage your child to use the same clear, professional-looking photo on all social media profiles so that they can be easily recognized by schools or employers.
Important Tips for Teens on YouTube
- Age Requirement: Children under 13 are not allowed to create a YouTube account. Make sure your child is at least 13 before getting started.
- Be Mindful of What You Share: Teach your child that it’s important to avoid posting inappropriate content (anything violent, suggestive, or dangerous). Always get permission before posting videos of friends or classmates.
- Manage Publicity Settings: YouTube accounts are public, but you can control who sees videos by using the following settings:
- Public: Anyone can see and search for the video.
- Private: Only specific people can view the video.
- Unlisted: Only those with the link can view the video, but it won’t show up in search results.
How to Use YouTube Positively and Safely
- Establish Positive Content Guidelines: Sit down with your child and talk about what kind of content is appropriate to post. Discuss the positive impact they can make by sharing their talents and skills.
- Monitor Content Before Posting: Always review videos with your child before they are uploaded. This ensures that everything they post is appropriate and showcases them in the best light.
- Set Privacy Controls: If your child isn’t ready for a public audience, start with videos set to Private or Unlisted. This way, they can build confidence before going public.
- Disable Comments: To prevent negative interactions or cyberbullying, consider turning off the comment section on their videos.
Example of a Positive YouTube Project
If your child wants to go to culinary school, they could create a YouTube channel focused on cooking. They might choose a niche like “30-Minute Meals for Busy Students” or “Healthy Snacks for Teen Athletes.” By sharing their recipes and techniques, they can not only build an online presence but also demonstrate their passion and skill.
What Parents & Educators Can Do
- Talk About the Channel’s Purpose: Discuss why your child wants to post videos and what message they want to convey. Help them stay focused on creating meaningful, positive content.
- Review Every Video: Watch every video before it goes live. Ensure it aligns with your family’s values and the image your child wants to present.
- Set Limits on Viewers: Use privacy settings to control who can see the videos until your child is ready to make their content public.
- Protect Them from Negative Comments: Disable comments to protect your child from potential cyberbullying or inappropriate messages.
Final Thoughts
YouTube can be a fantastic way for students to highlight their talents and build a positive online reputation. With careful planning, guidance, and monitoring, parents can help their children safely navigate the world of YouTube and use it to their advantage—whether it’s for college applications, internships, or future job opportunities.