Is your child's digital resum up to snuff?

A Metro Vancouver-based social media analystsaysparents shouldmake an effort to getinvolved in their child's use of digital platforms because what they're doingonlinetoday could have an impact on their future.

"I think it's important to brand yourself in a way," saidNick Chernoff, a presenter with the organizationSafer Schools Together.

"And you want to make sure you're representing yourself in a way that you're proud of."

Safer Schools Together provides professional training across North America to help minimize and mitigate potential risks facing students. In its latest initiative, it's offering workshops around British Columbia to help parents teach their children how to navigate the sometimes-hazardous digital world.

As social media use andonline communication becomemore prevalent in our lives, parents can play arole in the safety of their children, saidChernoff.

Digital resum

Chernoffsaidmost post-secondary education institutionsand employers look at the social media posts of any potential applicant.

For this reason, teenagers need to be cautious when developing their "digital brand."

"I like to call it a digitalresum," saidChernoff. "Pictures, videos and comments you put out therecould have a long-lasting permanence on your reputation."

Employers may value a teen's digital resum as much as a traditional paper one.

Communication is key

Chernoff saidparents now permit their children to use cell phones and tablets at a much younger age.

Because of this,it'simportant to have a conversation early in achild's digital careerto lay out expectations and warn of possible hazards, he said.

Parents needn'tbandigital devices entirely, he said.Rather, they should explore the digital worldwith their children.

"Your sons and daughters are going to make mistakes, and we can turn that into teachable moments," said Chernoff.

Chernoffsaid technology will growmore ubiquitous and complicated, and it's important for parents to continue to talk to their kids about it.

"I encourage parents not to try and get ahead of their children, that's the last thing we want to do," he said. "I want you to try and get in the driver seat with them, and learn with them, guide them."

Safer Schools Together will be hosting their next training session atSeaquam Secondary in Delta, B.C. onMonday, April 23.

With files from The Early Edition