This month, we've featured blog posts about the impact of media use and technology on Generation Alpha and the Parents of Gen Alpha Kids and shared helpful information about potentially dangerous social media apps as well as the warning signs of cyberbullying. In the constantly connected world we live in, it's also important to practice digital mindfulness to help be more aware of our use of technology and its impact on our lives.
Studies show that for some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world can sometimes be blurry. Although social apps and websites may be marketed as a safe and fun place to interact with others online, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teen feel about substance use.
Social media may influence some teens to experiment with dangerous substances like alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. When kids are influenced by images of young people partying, they may think it's the only way to have a good time. Some companies take advantage of this to market addictive substances to children and teens even though it's illegal to do so. Marketing tricks like hiring social media influencers to promote vaping products and offering promotional giveaways to attract school-age students have helped to create a new generation of young people hooked on nicotine.
Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. Teach them that what they post can adversely affect important relationships, hinder potential job opportunities, and impede their goals. A good tip is to get them in the habit of pausing for a minute to "think before they post" to avoid sharing impulsive content, images, and messages they may regret later.
What Can Parents and Caregivers Do to Keep Their Child Safe?
*Keep a watchful eye on your child's social media use
*Be aware of online sites they regularly visit
*Discuss dangers of interacting with strangers on social media
*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and dangers of trending challenges
*Remind youth that what others post may not reflect reality
Parents should remind 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.
For more tips to help keep children safe and drug free, visit the Partnership to End Addiction's website at www.drugfree.org
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