As more young people venture online, it's crucial to understand how social media fits into their lives and to ensure they stay safe in the digital world. While it's a world full of emojis, memes and hashtags, these platforms also come with their fair share of challenges and risks, especially around mental health.
Let's explore how social media can impact mental health and what we can do to keep digital adventures safe and enjoyable.
Let's start with the positives.
Within the span of just one decade, social media has gone from being an entertaining extra to an essential communication tool in people's lives. Teenagers are adept at navigating the worlds of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and other forms of social media.
One of the best bits about social media? Staying connected! It's a space where they can can keep in touch with their friends, make friends from across the world who share their interests and have a ton of fun. Social media is shaping their social lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. This sense of belonging can help them become more confident and improve their social skills.
It's also a fantastic outlet for creativity and self-expression. Whether they're posting dance routines on TikTok, sharing art on Instagram or creating fun videos on YouTube, kids can use these platforms to show off their talents and discover their passions. And it's not only just fun, it's educational too! Social media is packed with tutorials, 'how to' videos and interactive content that can make learning exciting and engaging.
And we need to chat about them. Issues including mental health, bullying and lowered self-esteem are on the rise amongst teenagers. You may be wondering if social media is to blame.
Cyberbullying is a major one. With alarming stats showing an increase in online harassment, cyberbullying can take many forms: abusive messages, hurtful images or videos, gossip, exclusion, humiliation and even fake accounts designed to deceive or embarrass someone. These harmful behaviours have become more sophisticated and often target younger children, leading to anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles. Visit eSafety Australia Commissioner for excellent resources about online safety and if you've experienced cyberbullying or cyber abuse, please report it.
Sometimes, teens might stumble upon material that’s not meant for their eyes. This could be violent or harmful content that can mess with their sense of reality and take a toll on their wellbeing. There are also concerns regarding oversharing of personal information and increased risk of scams and privacy violations. Addressing these challenges is essential for building a safer, more secure online experience for children.
And then there’s the relentless comparisons. Seeing picture-perfect posts online can make kids feel like they don’t measure up, creating pressure to fit in and conform to unrealistic standards. This can hurt their self-esteem and result in jealousy which leads to body image issues or a diminished sense of self-worth. The impact can be significant, affecting their confidence and overall mental health.
Spending a lot of time using screens is linked to poor sleep quality, which can make kids and teens have trouble falling asleep at night.
So where do we go from here?
How do we make social media a safer place for kids and teenagers? It’s all about teamwork. As parents, it's important to help children have a healthier relationship with social media. Parents can start by having open conversations about social media and setting healthy boundaries by implementing these tips:
Teachers can also play a big role. Schools can add digital literacy programs that teach kids how to spot harmful content, stay private online, and handle negative interactions. These lessons can go a long way in making kids feel empowered and safe online.
And let’s not forget the social media platforms themselves. They need to step up by enforcing better safety measures, monitoring content more closely, and offering support for users who face negative experiences.
Social media can be a positive force in children’s lives if we implement better education and protective measures. Let’s advocate for stronger online safety measures, ensure their digital environments are safe and support global efforts to protect kids in the digital age. Here’s to a safer, happier digital future for all our children and teenagers!
Worried about your child's digital safety? Discover tips and resources for protecting their well-being in the online world.
Explore online safety and wellbeing
