Social Media's Can Do's

 

Social Media Can Do's



As I conclude my discussion on social media, I reflect on my previous posts, which primarily focused on ensuring children's safety and privacy while they are online. These posts emphasized what students should avoid when navigating social media, how they should behave, and strategies for parents and teachers to keep them safe. Now, I aim to shift my focus toward exploring what they can do. 

What to do with Social Media

This infographic targets older children, mainly teenagers, and it outlines five positive aspects of social media use. It's crucial to highlight the positives of social media because it's a significant part of modern life that isn't going away. Teenagers will inevitably use some form of social media, so it's essential they understand not only the risks and safety measures but also the potential benefits it offers.


Created by Jasmine Monroe

Social media serves as a valuable tool for staying connected with friends and family. While teenagers are aware of the importance of not talking to strangers online, they should also recognize that social media provides an excellent opportunity to connect with relatives they may not see often. It's a wonderful platform for sharing pictures and sending messages on special occasions.

Furthermore, social media serves as a powerful tool for spreading knowledge. Teenagers can utilize these platforms to share anything they find important, whether it's a heartwarming video about rescued puppies or a favorite recipe. Social media provides an excellent avenue for spreading kindness. Anyone, including teenagers, can use these platforms to leave positive comments on someone's post, fostering a supportive online community.

Another powerful tool is the ability to curate their feed. Parents and educators handle parental controls, leaving teenagers with the freedom to tailor their feed to their interests. Lastly, social media is a great way to show support for a cause they care about. Following an account of a rescue farm can help spread awareness of the farm and attract more supporters. They definitely have the power to make a change!

Let's Focus on the Positive

Highlighting the positive aspects of social media empowers users by showing the constructive ways they can engage with these platforms. Instead of discouraging its use, emphasizing the positives will encourage responsible use. While acknowledging the risks is crucial, solely focusing on these aspects can create an unbalanced perspective. This can often lead to teenagers not using it responsibly.  Lastly, focusing on the positives promotes digital well-being. Promoting the positive use of social media will create positive interactions and content that promote mental and emotional wellness, creating an overall positive user experience. 

Watch this video if you would like advice on what social media is best for your kids to start with:


"How can young people use social media to create positive change?"






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