Internet safety for teens is a topic that has become increasingly important as predators find more ways to exploit their vulnerability. Many parents wonder about the dangers of social media for youth and the use of the internet as opposed to the benefits.
If you’re a parent of a teen, it’s likely you’ve already encountered unwelcome behavior. But also, you’ve seen the benefits of having access to unlimited information and being able to connect with friends.
There are some important things to know about social media and teens and the use of the internet in general.
From overuse to cyberbullying and the threat of child predators online, there certainly are a fair share of cons as seen on a survey by cybersecurity experts, ExpressVPN. The survey takes into account the attitude of both children and adults toward social media.
Here we will discuss the benefits and the risks of teens and social media, online teens safety tips, social media use, and the use of the internet so you can keep your teens safe online.
Internet Safety For Teens
The Benefits of Social Media and Online Use for Teens
When considering internet safety for teens, it’s mindful to think of the reasons why our kids use the internet and social media. It keeps them connected, offers a vehicle of expression, helps to develop communication skills, and can subject them to diversity and perspective.
Here we’ll take a closer look at these positive points starting with staying connected.
Social media can offer a way for teens to stay connected with friends and family, and like-minded individuals (especially if they live far away or attend different schools) providing a sense of social support and belonging.
This connection also offers a way for them to collaborate, plan events, and share memories from those events. Think of a sport like Football. Teammates can be part of a group chat and plan meet-ups for extra practice or team bonding.
It can also offer a means of publicity for their athletic image.
Social media can also provide teens with a platform for creative expression and self-discovery, such as sharing artwork, music, or writing. It can be a foundation to build a brand around these talents allowing for them to further develop and even monetize them.
In addition to all of these pros, social media can help kids and teens develop communication and social skills, as they learn to navigate online interactions with peers and adults. It also offers diversity.
As teens use social media they gain exposure to diverse perspectives. The opportunity to understand a variety of ideas, cultures, and perspectives, can broaden their worldview and increase empathy.
With all the positive aspects of online use among teens and kids, it’s important to know that all of these things can be turned into something detrimental. For example, while it’s convenient to have instant access to friends, it can also be used to instantly cyberbully peers.
By understanding the cons, we can promote internet safety for teens so they can get the most out of their internet use. So, let’s take a look at the dangers of social media among teens and kids.