When it comes to youth and social media, parents are often inundated with warnings that center heavily on risks and dangers. Much of this cautionary messaging comes from the media, law enforcement, and professionals who work with youth in the criminal justice system. While these warnings carry weight, they typically reflect a singular viewpoint – one shaped by the vulnerable youth these professionals regularly encounter. Understanding this context is crucial for parents and caregivers who want to strike a balance between acknowledging the risks and recognizing the positive experiences most young people have online.
Law enforcement professionals and youth justice workers interact primarily with young people already in crisis or at risk. These youth often, not always, face significant offline challenges, such as unstable home environments, sexual or physical abuse, substance abuse, poverty, struggles with mental health, or exposure to violence. It’s not unsurprising that these same challenges surface and even intensify online, amplified by social media algorithms that push content reflecting a user’s interests and vulnerabilities. For example, a teen involved in gang violence offline may encounter harmful gang violence content online, such as videos of random beatings, targeted shootings, or other forms of violence directed at others. For those working with youth in the criminal justice system, witnessing these patterns can understandably lead to an emphasis on the darker side of youth and their use of technology and social media.
Darren, a retired police officer with 30 years of experience, saw this dynamic firsthand. During his career, his work often involved youth in crisis who were engaging in risky or harmful behaviors both offline and online. This reality, paired with the duty to protect vulnerable young people, shaped his initial views of social media as a space fraught with dangers. However, Darren’s perspective began to shift after retirement. Stepping away from the high-risk lens of law enforcement allowed him to see a broader picture, one in which the majority of young people use social media in safer, enriching, and positive ways.
This shift highlights an important truth – while the risks of technology and social media for youth are real and must NOT be ignored, they do not define the entire experience of most young people online. Most youth benefit from technology and social media in meaningful ways, and those stories deserve equal attention.
For example, social media fosters community and connection for many young people. Platforms allow teens to build relationships, connect with like-minded peers, and find support for shared interests, identities, and struggles. A teenager struggling to come out in a small town might find solace and acceptance in an LGBTQ+ online support group. For others, social media offers opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Teens use social media platforms to explore photography, music, art, and storytelling. A young artist, for instance, might share their drawings with a global audience, receive constructive feedback, and gain confidence in their craft.
Beyond creative outlets, social media provides access to learning and opportunity. Educational content is abundant, from coding tutorials on YouTube to short-form explainer videos about science and history. Teens curious about programming can follow step-by-step guides to build their own apps, while others use platforms to stay informed about global issues and discover new passions. Additionally, young people are increasingly using social media for positive activism – engaging with causes they care about and advocating for change. Whether rallying for climate justice or sharing stories about mental health, social media gives teens a voice and a platform to make a difference.
Unfortunately, when parents and caregivers are presented with only the negative side of social media, it can lead to fear, distrust, and overreaction. The truth is that most teens navigate social media safely and responsibly. Recognizing the positives alongside the risks empowers parents and caregivers to take a more balanced approach. This means fostering open, honest conversations with their children about both the benefits and challenges of social media. For example, rather than framing discussions around “screen time,” parents can talk about “screen value” – helping teens reflect on whether their time online is being spent in ways that inspire, connect, or support their growth.
Parents and caregivers also play a critical role in guiding their children toward healthier online habits. By understanding how algorithms work, they can teach kids to recognize when content is becoming unhealthy or harmful. For example, a teen noticing increasingly negative videos in their feed can be encouraged to engage with uplifting or educational content to “reset” the algorithm.
Taking an active role in understanding social media is key. When parents and caregivers educate themselves about the opportunities, challenges, and risks these platforms present, they are better equipped to:
- Advocate for platform changes that prioritize safety for all youth.
- Guide their children in identifying when online content is negatively impacting their well-being.
- Celebrate the ways social media empowers young people to connect, learn, and grow.
Law enforcement and youth justice professionals provide an important perspective by highlighting the dangers faced by youth online – especially youth at risk. Their insights are invaluable for protecting the most vulnerable. However, it’s equally important to recognize that their experiences represent just one part of the broader story. For most teens, social media is not a source of harm but a tool for connection, creativity, and opportunity and we parents and caregivers cannot ignore this fact.
While those in the criminal justice field offer valuable insights into the risks of youth and social media, their experiences often reflect the challenges faced by vulnerable young people already in crisis. This perspective, though important, does not capture the full picture. For most youth, social media is not a space solely defined by harm but one that fosters connection, creativity, learning, and opportunity. Recognizing this broader reality allows parents and caregivers to move away from fear-based reactions and toward a more balanced and informed approach.
By understanding both the risks and benefits of social media, parents and caregivers can create open, constructive conversations with their children. Shifting the focus from screen time to screen value and educating youth about online habits, algorithms, and digital literacy empowers teens to navigate technology safely and meaningfully. Darren’s shift in perspective serves as a reminder that when we embrace knowledge over fear, we can guide young people toward thriving in the onlife world – one that blends their online and offline experiences in positive and enriching ways.
By fostering this balance, parents and caregivers can better support their children’s growth in today’s onlife world that is here to stay. Instead of viewing technology and social media solely as a threat, we can emphasize its role as a tool for exploration, empowerment, and connection. Encouraging healthy and intentional use of technology enables youth to discover new passions, amplify their voices, and build relationships that enrich their lives.
Ultimately, the key lies in partnership – working with our children to understand their experiences online, rather than imposing fear-driven restrictions. Through open dialogue, shared learning, and mindful guidance, we can help youth harness the positive opportunities of social media while building resilience to navigate its challenges. By doing so, we set the stage for a future where young people thrive in a digital landscape – empowered, informed, and confident in their ability to create a meaningful and safer onlife experience.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
