Research shows that there is a definite link between social media and substance use. For some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world can sometimes become blurry.
Although social apps and websites are marketed as a safe, fun, online place to interact with family and friends, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teens feel about substance use. Social media may influence teens to experiment with dangerous substances such as alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Kids are influenced by images of young people partying so they may think it's the only way to have a good time. Some companies use marketing tricks, like hiring social media influencers to promote products or offer promotional giveaways, to attract school-aged students.
Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. Here are a few Tips on what Parents and Caregivers can do to keep their children safe:
*Keep a watchful eye on your child's social media use to be aware of the sites they may be visiting
*Discuss potential dangers of interacting with those they don't know over social media
*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and participating in trending challenges
*Remind youth that what others post may be how they want things to appear and not reflect reality
Parents should remind their teens that after scrolling the internet, they will return to living in the real world. And that's the world in which we need to live our lives - not the virtual one.
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