Social networks are an advance in our society because it connects us with people. Although we are physically far away, we are actually very connected because thanks to social networks we can know about each other without having to talk every day. Although the benefits of social media are clear, for teens who have social media it can become a double-edged sword.
Social media also emboldens people and generates cowardly attitudes. People who perhaps face to face would never say anything negative to another person, with the ease of being behind a screen can psychologically attack others. The coldness of social networks makes it seem 'that it is not so much', and that in reality this harassment, is doing a lot of emotional damage to a teenager.
It's a real problem when it comes to harassment
Although you do not see physical attacks or anything like that, social networks when used to harass another person becomes a real problem that must be solved as soon as possible. Cyberbullying can be an equally painful scourge as bullying even if there are no hits. The emotional and psychological damage it can cause is enormous. For this, It is necessary that before any sign of harassment, parents take action as soon as possible.
The victim needs the support of their parents and the whole environment to be able to overcome this harassment and that it does not affect them emotionally. Likewise, it is important that the parents of the bully take action and do not allow their child to be hurting others in any way.
Do not think that by subtracting screen time you protect your child
Although it is true that you have to have control over the time your children spend in front of the screen, do not think that taking your child's time from using electronic devices will solve the problem. In the case of the victim, you will be able to see the harassment messages as soon as they connect and as for the harasser, You can harass and hurt others in the short time you spend with these devices at your fingertips.
Although it is important to control the use of your children's social networks. It is also important to understand that graphic images, accounts of the attack, and negative reactions reach them in some way through social media.
What is really important is how to approach the problem with the children and how they are taught with the right tools to be able to deal with the problem together.
Talk about social media with your child
Do not assume that your teenager knows how to manage a social network just by opening an account, because this is not the case.. Teens need your guidance and guidance to know that they are doing the right thing. and to know where the limits of social networks are.
It is important that you take your time to talk with your children about social networks and explain the most important things taking into account their age and their ability to understand. The National Association of School Psychologists in America says that parents should take the time to have meaningful conversations with their children about the events that come to them and to assure them that they are safe within the social network.
You should look for signs that your child wants to talk, spend more time with you ... And take any opportunity to have these types of conversations.
Security in social networks
It is very important that you teach your children the importance of having security in social networks and that they learn to configure their privacy in each social network. Some essential tips for your children to consider are:
- Your content should not be public so that it is not seen by anyone.
- You should not accept people you do not know as friends on your social networks.
- You should not put personal data in your contact profile.
- You do not have to upload photos or videos that may contain inappropriate content or expose you in any way.
- You must have respect for others on social media and know how to maintain forms virtually.
- You will have to access their social networks whenever you want, not to invade their privacy, but to see that everything is going well.
- It is important that you know how to block unwanted conversations and contacts.
Know how to use social networks
Safety in social networks is essential, but it is also necessary for them to learn how social networks work so that they can make correct use of them. Therefore, as parents, you should take the time necessary to help children, especially adolescents, understand that the use of social networks is often dangerous.
You have to explain to them that the types of content they see and the people they follow influence the types of information that platforms like Facebook or Twitter post to their feeds. Children need to understand that social media is out of context. There is a pervasive nature of content on social media, which if not fully understood, can push children to take drastic measures to protect themselves if they don't feel safe.
The power of information that falls into your hands
Information is power, as long as it is understood and above all, used correctly. You need to help your child understand the importance of having all the information at their fingertips. Social networks can help us understand what is happening today, but at the same time they can deceive us.
It is necessary to work with the children on critical thinking so that they are able to know what is true from what is not, and above all, to be able to differentiate quality content from that which is not. This is essential so that children can think for themselves and above all, so that they do not believe everything they see on social networks. It is important that they know how to question all the information they receive through the media.