I have just started reading a very important book that I would recommend every parent of a teenager read as soon as possible: American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers, by Nancy Jo Sales. I am only about 70 pages into this 400+ page book, and I am overwhelmed already.
As an educator for the past 14 years, and a parent for the past 25 years, I know how pervasive social media is in the lives of today’s children. I see how social media is taking away from education, and how obsessed some children are with this medium. I had no idea how misogynist and downright filthy a lot of the social media kids today are using is, and how harmful it is to their development and self esteem.
I would venture to say that the overuse and abuse of social media is becoming a public health crisis in America. Teens are being bullied on social media at an alarming rate. Pornographic material is freely available and accessible to teens. Body shaming and sexting is a huge issue. Teens are suffering from anxiety and depression, as a direct result of the negative aspects of social media.
As I read this important book, I will continue to post my thoughts on these matters, and provide some insight and advice as to what parents can do. The first thing I would urge every parent to do is check their child’s electronic devices every day to see what they are viewing, texting, posting and watching. Have a conversation with your teen about what is and what is not acceptable in your family. The rule in my house is if I paid for the device then it is up to me as to how it is used, and I have the right to censor whatever I feel is objectionable. I always talk through these issues with my daughter before I ban things, so that she understands the dangers of some of the technology out there.
Our children live in a whole new world from the one we grew up in, and the technology is changing so rapidly that the experiences my 25 year old son had on social media in his middle and high school years are very different than the experiences my daughter is having with this technology in middle school right now.
Be vigilant and be involved when it comes to social media and your teen!
Anne Yount Boston ISEE Prep 617-553-8083 www.bostoniseeprep.com - Test Prep for the ISEE & Latin School Exam Boston Tutoring Center 617-553-8083 www.bostontutoringcenter.com - Tutoring Grades K-12 Boston Private School Search 617-553-0540 www.bostonprivateschoolsearch.com - Your Resource for Private School Admissions Follow my Blog - http://privateschoolguru.com/blog/