One thing almost no one escapes from is the media. Children, teens and adults are all affected by the media, even if they don’t realize it. While social media does give kids and adults a voice that they may not have had before, there are drawbacks. Online users only see what others want them to see; they see personas that look perfect, which can be harmful to a child’s ego.
KNOW THE RISKS OF CHILDREN ACCESSING SOCIAL MEDIA
In particular, social media impacts children. They see what other people do in different locations and may be exposed to mature content sooner than parents would like.
The media isn’t all bad, and it’s been shown that it doesn’t necessarily lead children to do bad things. For instance, violent video games don’t necessarily lead to violence outside video games.
The biggest problem is that children spend more time online than visiting with people in person. This can lead to feeling cut off, anxiety, self-harm and suicide in severe cases.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over electronic devices and online. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about another person. In some cases, cyberbullying leads to childhood injuries as children suffer mentally and physically from the abuse.
BE AWARE OF SIGNS OF CYBERBULLYING
Cyberbullying, in one case, led to one teen being physically assaulted and publicly shamed, something that resulted in the teen committing suicide. Life isn’t as private as it once was, and that does make life harder for those who use social media.
According to recent studies, an estimated 14.9% of U.S. high school students were victims of cyberbullying in 2016.
If your child is hurt by social media, know your rights. Cyberbullying is a particularly difficult problem to deal with, but you can take steps to help your child if they are harmed by their peers.
For more statistics and resources on how to help a child you know who may be a victim of cyberbullying, please visit stopbullying.gov. We also suggest the following sources for information on children and Internet safety.
- Print this guide: “Talking to Children About Digital Safety”
- Check Storypark and Savvy Cyber Kids. Two sites dedicated only to Internet safety for children.
- The following sites also contain Internet safety information:
- D.A.R.E.; Child Rescue Network; and the Department of Justice.
Photo Source: Elks USA Kids Zone – accessed Monday, November 12, 2018
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
