Facebook NO–NOs for grandparents

Grandkids have an instant message for grandma and grandpa. While they enjoy having you on Facebook, some secretly want to unfriend you because you post stuff that’s embarrassing! Just in time for World Social Media Day (June 30), a one of a kind, national survey of millennial grandchildren uncovers the TOP 5 NO-NOs grandma and grandpop make on Facebook.

The national survey of 500 grandkids (ages 18-34), commissioned by Visiting Angels, reveals a majority of grandkids (89%) enjoy having their grandparents on Facebook. However, almost 1 out of 3 sometimes secretly want to unfriend grandparents and more than half (54%) wish someone would sit down and show them HOW and WHEN to use Facebook. Why?

Post personal stuff

One in four respondents say their grandparents post TMI (too much information) about their love life, social life. More than one third say grandma or grandpa post dirty laundry about family feuds or finances.

Rant and rave

One out of five grandchildren said Grammy goes “Emoji crazy” in comments or posts, and 33 percent of respondents say they don’t like when grandparent(s) get too political or go holy roller, posting too much about religion (28%)

Tread on personal turf

One in four respondents said it’s not cool when Grandma tries to friend THEIR friends, and 30 percent of grandkids said it’s embarrassing when Mimi or Pops post personal comments in public places, like THEIR timeline. Half of those surveyed say they don’t want grandparents commenting on their social life. And a big NO NO: Almost one in four grandkids say please, grandma, don’t comment about my appearance - whether it’s my hair, weight or clothes!

Spread doom, gloom, guilt

About 25 percent of grandkids say they do not like to see grandparents post that they are lonely, unhappy, sick or sad. One out of five respondents say they don’t like to see comments about grandparent’s health, medical issues or procedures. One in four say they feel guilty when grandma posts “Why don’t you visit or call more?”

Try to act cool

It’s not cool when grandma or gramps tries to act cool say 22 percent. And one respondent says he wants to hide when his grandparents “COMMENT IN ALL CAPS!”

Visiting Angels, one of our nation’s largest in-home senior care companies with more than 600 offices nationwide, commissioned the survey, revealing that Facebook has become a great way for grandparents and grandkids to communicate.

Grandkids love

to see and feel love

A majority of those surveyed (72%) say it’s OK for Mimi or Papa to post I love you on Facebook. More than half (64%) say they love their grandparents and it is nice to see their photos and share theirs with them. Six out of ten of grandkids say Facebook is a great way to stay in touch.

“It’s no surprise the survey reveals grandchildren love their grandparents and they are a bit sensitive about what Grandma or Grandpa might post or see on Facebook. These are, after all, some of the most important people in their lives, “said Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels, one of the nation’s largest in-home senior care companies, with a local office. “Our caregivers go into senior’s homes to help them stay in touch with their grandkids , whether it’s with Facebook, Skype or texting. They also help with light housekeeping, cooking meals and companionship. When you can’t be there, we’re here to help. To find a location near you, please visit http://www.visitingangels.com.