Personally, I currently have a love-hate relationship with Twitter.

As a sports reporter, it’s a valuable tool in terms of sharing my work whether it’s articles or podcasts, as well as, a source of breaking news when I’m anchoring sports updates.  It’s also a platform for me to share some thoughts about sports issues and event some things going on in my personal life, such the participation and accomplishments of my kids on the football field.

On the other end of the spectrum is the negative aspect of Twitter and that includes those who don’t agree my takes or don’t like my articles and they let that be known in a rather rude way.  Most of the reaction that I get is positive or it’s a respectful give and take, but as is the case with social media today, there are some people who just live to be foul.

And now here’s my new struggle with Twitter and it’s a subject that I constantly discuss with my wife Sheryl…. when will be appropriate to allow our son to have his own Twitter account, with the sole reason of having it to be a vehicle to post information and photos about his football achievements and activity. 

We still haven’t done it quite yet and we’re not sure when we’ll agree to it…. I could definitely use some feedback from other parents.

At last summer’s USA Football Middle School Bowl Series in Canton, I was sitting in the bleachers watching practice and talking to another parent about this very subject.  I mentioned that I was hesitant to allow my son to have a Twitter account because of the negativity that comes with it. 

The other parent told me that her son was on Twitter because at this age it was the only appropriate way for her child to be able to communicate with college coaches.  My reaction was something along the lines of that these are kids that are twelve, thirteen, and fourteen years old.  Why in the world would my son need to talk to college coaches now unless they were at a football camp or a USA Football clinic or U.S. National Team event?

But, after talking about this subject with college coaches, high school coaches, and other parents, I’m now really thinking about starting a “football only” Twitter account for Bradley that will very simply be a way for him to share his football life with those who have an interest in following him.  I would be in control of the account, but I would allow him to post things as long as I know about it and felt that it’s appropriate. 

At the U.S. National Team Regionals, a college coach that was involved in recruiting for his school told everyone that colleges diligently look at social media accounts to see what type of posts a potential recruit has on his account and what they’re liking and re-tweeting to see what type of individual this potential player is.  Players must be careful about Twitter and what they’re posting and liking so I would have to be in full control of Bradley’s account, if he gets one, and to monitor what he wants to do and set my own account for notices of Bradley’s activity.

I’m still not sure we’re ready for this, but we’re thinking about it.  I’d love to hear feedback from other parents on what to do about Twitter. 

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network, FOX News Headlines 24/7 and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley plays middle school football on Long Island and is a participant in the U.S. National Team program while his younger son Jared plays flag football.   Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.