When it comes to conversations around technology and social media, especially concerning youth and teens, the focus is often on potential risks. While there are legitimate concerns, this one-sided perspective can overshadow the incredible opportunities that these platforms can provide. Technology and social media have evolved to become powerful tools for learning, creativity, and professional growth. In fact, teens today are leveraging these tools to create impressive job opportunities, develop unique skill sets, and even launch their own businesses.
For parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize that banning teens from technology could mean missing out on career-launching opportunities. In this article, we’ll look at the journeys of two young individuals who took full advantage of tech and social media to kickstart their careers early. Their stories highlight the positive impact technology, the internet, and social media can have on youth when used responsibly and creatively.
Kiegan Simard: From Self-Taught Designer to Professional Animator
Kiegan Simard’s journey is a testament to the power of self-directed learning through online resources. A talented young digital graphic designer, Kiegan learned his skills through platforms like YouTube and Discord while still in middle and high school. These resources allowed him to explore his passion for design and 3D animation without formal training. He spent countless hours watching tutorials, joining online communities, and practicing his craft, which gave him a head start in a highly competitive field.
This dedication led Kiegan to the prestigious Vancouver Film School, where he recently graduated with honors in the 3D animation and visual effects program. Thanks to the skills he had developed through technology and social media, Kiegan quickly landed a role as an associate gameplay animator at 2K, a renowned company in the gaming industry known for titles like NBA® 2K, BioShock®, and Civilization®. Kiegan’s success story illustrates how access to technology can be a powerful way for teens to explore their interests and develop skills that can lead to real job opportunities.
Imagine if Kiegan had been banned from using social media or online platforms until the age of 16. He would have missed out on years of skill-building, networking, and learning that set him on his current path. Instead, his early access to technology empowered him to create a future in a field he is passionate about.
Leo Puglisi: Creating a News Platform at 11 Years Old
Leo Puglisi’s story is another inspiring example of how technology can provide teens with professional opportunities. At just 11 years old, Leo founded 6 News Australia, an online news streaming service that now has a substantial following. His platform provides news coverage on various topics, and his professionalism has earned him respect and recognition in the field. By starting so young, Leo developed valuable skills in media production, journalism, and business management, skills that most people acquire in college or later.
Now, at 17 years old, Leo continues to manage and expand 6 News Australia, proving that age is no barrier to achieving great things in today’s onlife world. Without access to the internet, social media, and streaming platforms, Leo’s journey into media and journalism might have looked very different. His story emphasizes how technology can serve as a powerful enabler for teens with ambition and drive, allowing them to turn their interests into meaningful careers.
These stories are a reminder of why it’s essential to offer youth responsible access to technology. By allowing teens to explore their passions online, parents and caregivers can support their personal and professional growth in a world that is increasingly digital. Banning access to technology until an older age could prevent teens from discovering their interests and honing skills that may become foundational to their careers. It’s about “know” tech rather than “no” tech!
As parents and caregivers, we can focus on teaching responsible and safe usage of technology rather than restricting it altogether. This balanced approach helps ensure that teens are aware of the risks while also opening doors to positive, impactful experiences. By guiding teens on how to use technology constructively, we can encourage them to take full advantage of the opportunities that today’s digital world has to offer.
While the risks of technology and social media are real, they do not tell the whole story. Kiegan and Leo’s achievements illustrate the remarkable potential that responsible tech use offers to today’s youth. These platforms can be gateways to creativity, learning, and professional development, providing opportunities that didn’t exist a generation ago – something that we, as older adults, may not fully recognize, sometimes prefer to ignore, or even dismiss given that we are so focused on technology and social media harms.
In the end, it’s all about balance. By focusing on guidance over restriction, we can empower teens to make the most of technology and social media. Who knows? The next Kiegan or Leo might just be your teen, ready to innovate, learn, and create in ways we never thought possible.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, many of the jobs of the future will rely on skills related to technology, digital communication, and online networking. By allowing teens access to social media and tech tools in a controlled, guided environment, parents can help them cultivate critical skills like digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are not just valuable for tech-related careers, they’re relevant across a broad range of fields.
When teens can experiment with technology, they gain firsthand experience in areas like content creation, digital marketing, coding, design, and media production. This practical experience can help them discover what they’re passionate about, make informed choices about their education, and even begin building portfolios of work that set them apart from their peers.
The stories of Kiegan and Leo demonstrate that responsible access to technology can inspire teens to explore their talents and take initiative. Rather than limiting their potential, technology can expand it by offering an interactive, hands-on way to learn and grow.
Of course, simply granting unrestricted access to social media and technology isn’t the answer. Parents and caregivers play an essential role in setting boundaries and teaching responsible age-appropriate usage. Here are some steps parents and caregivers can take to foster a healthy relationship between teens and technology:
- Talk to teens about online behavior, including the importance of respectful communication and safeguarding their digital dossier. Explain how posts, comments, and interactions can have long-term effects on their online reputation and even career prospects.
- Teach teens to question the information they come across online and to recognize misleading or biased content. Encouraging critical thinking helps teens navigate social media with a discerning eye, making them less vulnerable to scams, misinformation, or harmful content.
- Establish age-appropriate boundaries around screen use and app usage. While it’s beneficial for teens to access social media, it’s also essential to ensure they’re using it in moderation and balancing their online activities with offline interests and responsibilities.
- Share stories like those of Kiegan and Leo to show that technology can be used in productive, creative ways. Help them find online communities or mentors who can encourage positive development and help them pursue constructive goals.
- Instead of just monitoring or restricting, stay engaged with your teen’s digital journey. Ask them about what they’re learning, creating, or interested in online. Showing interest in their digital lives builds trust and helps you guide them without being overbearing.
One of the most empowering ways for teens to use technology is as creators rather than passive consumers. Platforms like YouTube, Discord, and even social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have enabled teens to produce content, share knowledge, and engage in global communities. When teens are taught to see technology as a tool for creation, they’re less likely to fall into patterns of mindless scrolling and more likely to use it as a means to express themselves, learn, and build something meaningful.
When parents and caregivers support teens in becoming creators, they help them cultivate confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s designing graphics, developing code, producing videos, or writing articles, these activities can give teens a sense of accomplishment and open doors to future opportunities.
While it’s understandable for parents and caregivers to be cautious about the potential downsides of social media, a balanced perspective reveals that technology can also be a significant positive force in teens’ lives. The stories of Kiegan Simard and Leo Puglisi remind us that when teens are given the right digital literacy education, tools, resources, and guidance, they can leverage technology to build skills, pursue passions, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Rather than focusing solely on risks, parents and caregivers can help teens explore the possibilities of technology while fostering a sense of responsibility. In today’s onlife world, digital literacy is an invaluable skill, and teens who can navigate this world effectively are better equipped for future success.
Embracing the positive side of technology can transform it from a source of concern into a powerful educational and professional tool. Let’s celebrate the Kiegans and Leos out there, and encourage the next generation to use technology to dream big, innovate, and create a better future, while being aware of the dangers as well. With the right balance of digital literacy education, freedom, and parental guidance, teens can learn to harness the power of technology to become skilled, informed, and capable individuals ready to thrive in today’s onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
