Teenagers and social media
Monica Amukugo, age 15 & Olivia Shaanika, age 16
Social media has become one of the most powerful platforms to spread information. It was created in order for people to communicate and interact with one other no matter where they are in the world.
Unfortunately, many teenagers misinterpret the concept of social media. It appears the majority understand it to be all about showing off. Social media engagement has become focused on gaining followers, likes and views. It has also become a platform for teenagers to cyber-bully one another, which can leave the victim vulnerable to depression. Sometimes teenagers develop a low self-esteem when they do not get the same number of likes compared to their peers. The more likes and followers you have on social media, the cooler you are perceived to be.
Research suggests that a negative online experience on social media may affect the emotional wellbeing of a teenager. Studies also show that the use of multiple social media platforms is strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Teenagers have a tendency of setting standards for one another on social media, and when they do not reach these standards, they demoralise one another.
Parents and guardians are blocked from accessing their children’s accounts; this makes it even easier for child predators to target vulnerable children and expose them to negative and harmful experiences.
Social media can portray a ‘perfect life’, creating an image that does not tell the story of how it was achieved. This can lead to children having unrealistic expectations.
Social media has a lot positives for children too though, many have found inspiration on these spaces. Teens find comfort in times of sadness because the internet is full of people in the same situation.
Several social media networks have age restrictions, which are not adhered to sometimes. Children who join such sites, may be a target for cyber bullies and catfishing. Also, when they lie about their age, it exposes them to information that is not age appropriate.
All the hours spent reading from a device can also have an effect on our health. Studies show that one can develop eyesight and lower to mid-back problems.
In an online report, Tim Lordan of the Internet Education Foundation notes that parents have to get involved to protect their children’s safety online.
“Just as they know every detail of the playground around the corner, the jungle gym, the swings, they need to know their kids' online playground as well."
He says parents should set and discuss the rules for online activities, and be clear about the consequences for breaking them. Parents should also ensure that children fully understand the consequences of revealing their personal information online. For example, never share your name, phone number, e-mail address, password, postal address, school, or picture with strangers. Children should also never respond to hurtful or disturbing messages, nor meet strangers they met online, in an offline space.
Namibian children who live in urban areas have better access to the internet than our peers who live in rural areas. We should not abuse our privilege. Let’s rather work to ensure other children also have access to the internet and use our power to empower them.
Social media has become one of the most powerful platforms to spread information. It was created in order for people to communicate and interact with one other no matter where they are in the world.
Unfortunately, many teenagers misinterpret the concept of social media. It appears the majority understand it to be all about showing off. Social media engagement has become focused on gaining followers, likes and views. It has also become a platform for teenagers to cyber-bully one another, which can leave the victim vulnerable to depression. Sometimes teenagers develop a low self-esteem when they do not get the same number of likes compared to their peers. The more likes and followers you have on social media, the cooler you are perceived to be.
Research suggests that a negative online experience on social media may affect the emotional wellbeing of a teenager. Studies also show that the use of multiple social media platforms is strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Teenagers have a tendency of setting standards for one another on social media, and when they do not reach these standards, they demoralise one another.
Parents and guardians are blocked from accessing their children’s accounts; this makes it even easier for child predators to target vulnerable children and expose them to negative and harmful experiences.
Social media can portray a ‘perfect life’, creating an image that does not tell the story of how it was achieved. This can lead to children having unrealistic expectations.
Social media has a lot positives for children too though, many have found inspiration on these spaces. Teens find comfort in times of sadness because the internet is full of people in the same situation.
Several social media networks have age restrictions, which are not adhered to sometimes. Children who join such sites, may be a target for cyber bullies and catfishing. Also, when they lie about their age, it exposes them to information that is not age appropriate.
All the hours spent reading from a device can also have an effect on our health. Studies show that one can develop eyesight and lower to mid-back problems.
In an online report, Tim Lordan of the Internet Education Foundation notes that parents have to get involved to protect their children’s safety online.
“Just as they know every detail of the playground around the corner, the jungle gym, the swings, they need to know their kids' online playground as well."
He says parents should set and discuss the rules for online activities, and be clear about the consequences for breaking them. Parents should also ensure that children fully understand the consequences of revealing their personal information online. For example, never share your name, phone number, e-mail address, password, postal address, school, or picture with strangers. Children should also never respond to hurtful or disturbing messages, nor meet strangers they met online, in an offline space.
Namibian children who live in urban areas have better access to the internet than our peers who live in rural areas. We should not abuse our privilege. Let’s rather work to ensure other children also have access to the internet and use our power to empower them.
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