Social media and technology have become an inseparable and ubiquitous part of today’s onlife world – for many, it’s a tool for enjoyment, connection, learning, and self-expression. However, it’s no secret that social media can also cause harm, especially to “some” young people. (1) As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to be concerned about the risks, but it’s essential to approach these concerns with balance and understanding.
Too often, we hear blanket statements about the dangers of social media in the news, and the conversation quickly turns toward restricting its use. But is this the best solution? Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we prefer Dr Etchells approach – “So instead of asking, does social media use cause mental health issues? perhaps a better question might be: why do some people prosper online while others get into real difficulty?” (2)
Yes, some research, as cited above, has shown that social media can be harmful for some individuals, but to truly grasp its impact, we need to listen to those who are directly affected. Whether it’s your own child, their friends, or other young people, those who experience challenges with social media should be given the opportunity to speak for themselves – sadly, this is something that has been missing in our experience. Young people have a lot to offer us adults when it comes to their use of technology, we adults just need to be willing to listen. By allowing them to share their experiences, we gain insight into the specific problems they face and, more importantly, how we can help address them.
Some teenagers might feel pressure from social media to present a perfect image of themselves, leading to anxiety or low self-esteem. Others might struggle with online bullying or feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of information. On the other hand, many find social media to be a place where they can connect with like-minded people, access important resources, or even raise awareness about causes they care about.
By focusing on those directly impacted, we can better understand the real issues behind their experiences and avoid generalizing the effects of social media on all youth.
It’s easy to point fingers and blame social media for various social problems. However, simply labeling social media as the cause of all issues overlooks a critical point – “why do people use social media in the first place?
For many, social media provides an outlet for communication, connection, self-expression, and entertainment. These platforms offer positive experiences, which can coexist alongside the negative ones. The key is to understand what draws people to social media, while also considering the factors that lead to negative experiences, such as peer pressure, problematic algorithms, or lack of digital literacy.
As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to recognize that banning or heavily restricting social media isn’t necessarily the best approach. Instead, we should look at the underlying reasons why young people engage with it and focus on mitigating the risks while preserving the benefits. Simply cutting off access by a “delay is the way” approach to technology and the internet won’t teach them how to navigate the onlife world safely – it’s the equivalent of avoiding real-life social situations instead of learning how to handle them. Sometimes, these abstinence-based approaches to technology can create more vulnerability and risk. (3)
Every child is different. While some may struggle with the pressures of social media, others may thrive. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid making sweeping decisions based solely on generalized statistics, news reports, or socially popular books (4). Just because social media can be harmful doesn’t mean it’s harmful for everyone. Similarly, while some children may require firmer boundaries, others might thrive with greater freedom to explore platforms and technology that are suitable for their age.
As a parent and caregivers, your role is to digitally shepherd your child through the complexities of social media and technology by having open conversations, understanding their specific needs, and setting realistic boundaries. (5) Encouraging them to reflect on their experiences, both positive and negative, can empower them to use social media and technology in a healthy way to help them build resiliency when they do face the challenges that social media and technology can bring, especially when they are outside the protective bubble of the home. (6)
As parents and caregivers, one of our jobs is to protect our children by limiting their exposure to potential dangers. But when it comes to social media and technology, it’s crucial to move beyond fear-based decisions. Instead of focusing solely on restrictions or an abstinence-based approach to technology, we can empower our children to navigate the digital world thoughtfully and responsibly in age-appropriate increments. (7) By listening to their experiences and addressing their specific needs, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for their online interactions.
Social media and technology, like any tool, has both positive and negative sides. By taking the time to understand why young people use it and how it affects them personally, we can help them engage with it in healthier, more meaningful ways – without cutting them off from the onlife world entirely which some are now promoting.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References
5/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/a-transformational-approach-to-parenting-in-todays-onlife-world/
