How can social media affect Teenagers

How can social media affect Teenagers

Social media sites help you stay in touch with friends and keep up with what is happening in the world. However, you need to make sure that you use social media safely and responsibly. You should not give away too much information about yourself or your location on social media sites. Giving away private information can put you at risk.

Tell your parents which social media sites you use. Have your parents check your profiles and social media usage to help you stay safe.

Social media can give you a sense of connection to others. However, when you use technology in place of social interaction, it can lead to feeling isolated and lonely. Additionally, unsafe use of social media comes with certain risks, such as:

  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual harassment or assault.
  • Identity theft.
  • Financial theft.
  • Burglaries in your home.
  • Bullying.
  • Car accidents if using social media while driving.

Too much time on social media can lead to addictive behaviors. Addiction to social media can:

  • Keep you from getting enough sleep or cause you to sleep poorly.
  • Interfere with relationships, school, and other activities.
  • Lead to violent or aggressive behaviors.

Remember that many different people may be able to find your social media messages and pictures. This means that future employers, teachers, friends, family, parents, and colleges can also learn about you through social media.

What actions can I take to be safe on social media?

  • To use social media responsibly, protect your personal information. In your profile or conversations, do not post:
    • Your full name.
    • Your age.
    • Your address.
    • The name or location of your school.
    • Your password.
    • Your social security number.
    • Any banking information.
    • Any personal details.
  • Check your privacy settings regularly. Set your privacy settings so that only friends can see your posts and your information.
  • Keep your posts and conversations responsible:
    • Do not talk to anyone that you do not know personally.
    • Do not bully people or speak negatively about others.
    • Do not exchange any sexual messages with anyone.
    • Do not let friends get you to post things that you know are not appropriate.
    • Block and report anyone who sends you a sexual message.
    • Block and report anyone who sends bullying messages.

Seek Additional Information

Learn more about social media safety from:

Summary

  • Social media can give you a sense of connection to others, but it comes with some risks.
  • It is a good idea to have your parents check your profiles and social media usage to help you stay safe.
  • Many different people, including future employers or colleges, may be able to check your social media accounts for inappropriate posts.
  • Check your privacy settings regularly. Set your privacy settings so that only friends can see your posts and your information.
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