Social Media
Why teens use social media
Social media is a way for teenagers to stay in touch with their friends. Teens have always talked after school, long before social media – hanging out at the bus stop, at the local park, chatting on the phone – now they just have a different platform to do so. It is an important part of socialising and connection in the modern world. Teenagers and social media use is increasing.
Benefits of social media use for teenagers
Being socially connected is very important for the psychological development of your child, and in this day and age, the online environment is where they get a lot of this. By connecting with others through social media, your child could:
develop better social skills
feel less isolated
learn about new cultural and societal ideas and issues
bond with their friends
have fun
be creative and share their own ideas with friends
be better equipped to be active citizens in society
develop real world skills to help them become more independent
learn about world events and current affairs outside of their immediate environment.
Risks of social media use for teenagers
Like any form of social engagement, social media comes with risks. Some of the most common risks include:
spending too much time online and being disconnected from the real world
being the victim of online bullying
damaging your online reputation
having your personal information shared online
being harassed or annoyed by someone you do not want attention from
being the victim of an online scam
having reduced self-esteem (for some teenagers).
Further infomation on social media useage
The below sites provide information, support and practical tips to help navigate social media usage with teenagers.