Social media has become part of youth’s life. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are used to connect with friends, share moments, and creatively express themselves. However, the use of these platforms can bring significant risks to the mental and emotional health of adolescents.
This article addresses the importance of guaranteeing that the use of social media by young people is healthy and controllable, highlighting practices and strategies that parents, educators, and the young people themselves can adopt to navigate this digital environment healthy and safely.
The unhealthy use of social media
Unhealthy use of social media can manifest itself in many ways. Young people often compare themselves to others based on unrealistic standards of beauty and success presented online, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Furthermore, spending too much time on social media can lead to social isolation, damaging personal relationships and academic performance. Cyberbullying is also a growing concern. Nasty comments, threats, and publicly exposing embarrassing situations can cause serious damage to young people’s mental health.
The search for likes and followers can encourage risky behavior, such as posting inappropriate or dangerous content. Another common problem is dependence on social media. Many young people feel the constant need to check notifications, which can increase anxiety and stress.
Prolonged exposure to screens can also affect sleep, resulting in fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the time spent on social media and its possible impacts on health and well-being.
Some of the risks of unhealthy use of social media:
- Unrealistic comparisons
- Social isolation
- Academic performance
- Cyberbullying
- Pressure for popularity
- Digital dependence
- Sleep problems
Social media for young people: how to make it controllable and safe?
To make social media safer and more controllable, parents, educators, and the young people themselves must be aware of the risks and adopt appropriate strategies.
1. Education and awareness
Parents and educators must teach young people about the dangers of social media and the importance of conscious navigation. Open discussions about cyberbullying, privacy, and online safety can help build a solid knowledge foundation.
2. Setting limits
Defining clear limits to the time using social media is crucial. Setting specific times to use mobile phones and promoting offline activities, such as sports and hobbies, can help balance the time spent online.
3. Monitoring and supervising
Parents must monitor the online activities of their children, keeping themselves informed about the platforms they use and the people they interact with. Parental control apps can be useful to supervise the use of social media and guarantee a safer environment.
4. Privacy configurations
Teaching young people to correctly configure privacy options in their social media accounts is essential to keep them protected from strangers and inappropriate content. They must know how to restrict who can see their posts and personal information.
Internet safety tips for young people
To ensure safe browsing on social media, here are some practical tips that can be followed:
1. Do not share personal information
Young people should avoid sharing personal information, such as addresses, telephone numbers, and real-time localization. This helps protect their privacy and safety.
2. Be selective with online friendships
It is important to accept friendship invites only from people you know and can trust. Strangers can pose risks to safety and well-being.
3. Keep your passwords safe
Strong and unique passwords for each account are crucial to protect personal information. It is recommended to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, in addition to regularly changing passwords.
4. Watch for the content you share
Young people should think twice before posting pictures, videos, or any type of content that can be used against them in the future. What is shared online can indefinitely be online.
5. Report inappropriate behavior
Teaching young people to report and block any type of cyberbullying, harassment or inappropriate behavior is crucial. Social media platforms usually have tools to report abuse.
6. Regularly disconnect
Encouraging regular pauses in the use of social media can help reduce stress and addiction. Offline activities and face-to-face interactions should be encouraged to keep a healthy balance.
Conclusion
Social media is a powerful tool for young people to connect and express themselves, but their use must be managed responsibly to minimize risks to mental and emotional health. Awareness of dangers, setting limits, careful monitoring, and implementing security measures are essential steps to ensure a safe and healthy digital environment.
With the strategies and tips presented, parents, educators, and young people can collaborate to promote more balanced and conscious navigation on social networks. These practices not only help protect teens from online dangers but also contribute to their overall well-being.
If you want to ensure your child develops skills for safe and responsible navigation on social media, check out St. Nicholas School. Our educational approach focuses on integral growth and the formation of young people who are autonomous, critical, and prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
Schedule a visit to discover how our innovative pedagogical practices can support your child’s development, and ensure enrollment in the best international school in São Paulo!
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