Social media, while offering connection and entertainment, can also expose young people to cyberbullying, self-harm and pro-anorexia communities. It’s crucial to develop strategies for dealing with these potential harms. One approach is to foster resilience in young people, helping them to understand that it’s OK to feel upset by things they see online. It’s also important to encourage open conversations about their online experiences.
Schools play a vital role in this, providing a safe space for discussions about online risks. The UK government has proposed making digital literacy part of the national curriculum, which would include education about online safety.
Tech companies also have a responsibility to protect their young users. Many have made efforts to do so, such as Instagram’s decision to blur out sensitive content. However, the effectiveness of such measures is questionable, as they often rely on users to report problematic content.
Finally, parents can help by understanding the apps their kids use and setting boundaries for their use. It’s not about banning social media, but rather teaching young people how to use it safely and responsibly.
Go to source article: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23531320-700-how-to-stay-protech-when-social-media-can-eat-young-lives/#.WVevtSnXriU.twitter