Nothing has progressed further in the recent decades than technology. For younger generations, it has become critical to master the basic computer skills needed to use it. They must know how to type proficiently, send emails, conduct searches, and navigate computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Office, Google Docs, and Power Point. As these changes make their way into classrooms, homes, and every other aspect of our lives, teenagers are experiencing the biggest changes. Those changes are happening within teen’s social domain, especially in how they communicate with each other.
Between texting, Facebook messaging, video-chatting and chat rooms, teens find themselves connecting to others in ways older generations never did. They use social media as a platform for personal news and a way to share their lives with others. Many may wonder, does social media impact a teens ability to communicate? Has it enabled them to forget common social skills? Is social media altogether more helpful or harmful? These are questions many parents wrestle with on a daily basis.
The Good of Social Media
By having access to a network of individuals, whether friends or merely acquaintances, teens can utilize social media for extra support. They can share their accomplishments and allow others to celebrate with them. They can join support groups online, where they find confidants who provide a foundation of understanding because they share the same struggles. For example, teens can reach out for help with homework if they find themselves stuck on a tough assignment. For introverted or shy teenagers, forming friendships online can be easier and just as fulfilling as face-to-face friendships. Also, it can be easier to find others with similar interests online. These shy teens may struggle to find a group they truly feel a sense of belonging to in school.
Since social networking can be used anywhere, this can be advantageous for those with loved ones in other parts of the world. The teenage years of a person’s life can be some of the most vulnerable. That’s why it’s crucial for teens to maintain solid relationships with family and friends. If they have a parent in the military stationed overseas, they can keep in touch through social media by video-chatting, sending pictures and emailing. If they have a close friend who moved away, they can connect through text and group-chat, keeping up with them via social media. Likewise, a teenager with a sibling in college may appreciate the extra means of communication. The pain of missing a loved one may be less if they can use Snapchat to send pictures back and forth, giving the illusion that the distance between them is smaller.
The Not So Good Parts of Social Media
Social media presents hidden dangers that are not always widely seen or known. Practicing caution and teaching your kids to do the same will help alleviate the exposure of teens to the negative consequences of social media. One of the biggest concern about social media relates to abuse and human-trafficking. While this subject can be uncomfortable to consider, and a topic no one wants to talk or think about, it’s a reality and needs to be addressed. Every child, teenager or younger child, who has access to social media is vulnerable to predators. However, teens who are lonely and/or anxious are especially vulnerable. They tend to reach out to strangers in search of companionship. Unfortunately, this behavior can put those teens at risk. Predators on social media gain the trust of the child, then lures them into danger.
Cyber-Bullying
Even teens who use caution on social media can still be exposed to cases of cyber-bullying. Parents often have a harder time managing bullying that occurs online compared to when it happens in person. Now, perpetrators have the ability to remain anonymous. Victims experience harassment among a much larger crowd and schools can find themselves in the middle. The schools are walking a fine line between what lies within their responsibility and what actions parents are responsible for. Needless to say, cyber-bullying can cause devastatingly painful for teenagers. No longer can you escape by running home. No longer can words be forgotten. Cyber-bullying occurs where ever social media can be accessed, both at home and school. Hurtful words and despicable videos cannot merely be erased because everything is saved online and they continually make their way around the cyber universe.
Ghosting
Not as overtly severe as cyber-bullying, the digital world gives teenagers the opportunity to reject their peers in what has been named as ghosting. This term defines rejection that someone experiences with no explanation or no apparent reason. The rejecting person simply vanishes from one of their friend’s life and refuses to respond to any attempt made to communicate or reach them. Some people might view this form of rejection as cruel and cowardly due to the way it abuses the power they had to harm that person’s feelings. Teenagers who find themselves in this predicament can suffer lasting effects. Peer rejection can take a toll on a teen’s mental health, thus affecting every other area of their life.
So What Can You Do?
Social media provides us with a complex array of dimensions to analyze. While there are indeed advantages for teenagers in social media use, parents must keep in mind that there are downsides as well. The most important thing you can do as the parent is to maintain a positive relationship with your teen. Educate them on the advantages and disadvantages related to social media. If you access their personal social media accounts, let them know in an honest and open manner. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one hour or less of screen time for children ages 2-5. However, they do not specify a time length for adolescents. Rather, they recommend the family sits down and makes a plan together. You can find a guide to creating a family media plan at HealthyChildren.org.
What To Keep In Mind
Social media use is one of the top concerns of many parents today. It can be scary to think about but one that requires our attention. It is imperative that parents…
- Understand why teens use social media.
- Know the benefits and dangers of social media use.
- Are not afraid to speak to their kids about their concerns.
- Be open and honest about monitoring teens social media behavior.
- Work with the whole family to create a media usage plan.
- Educate themselves on the topic regularly. (Check out this eBook on the subject).
Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the effects of social media. They use social media as a way to give and feel support. They can keep in touch with friends and loved ones who live miles away. Conversely, teens can fall prey to the negative effects of social media use. These negative effects take the form of cyber-bullying, as well as dangerous situations teens can end up in when they seek comfort from strangers. By speaking openly with your teenagers, you can share any worries you may have, as well as enforcing strict boundaries for social media usage. Together, with your teenagers, you can come up with a media plan to ensure a safe and healthy balance between digital media and real life.
What do you think about teens and social media use? Do you have any tips or stories you would like to share? We would love to hear from you.
