Social Media: Parents vs Teens
|
Posted By: William Jackson on November 09, 2015 Social Media: Parents vs Teens The holiday seasons are coming quickly, new high tech devices are allowing teens to increase their Social Media connections with friends. Social Media networks like; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, SnapChat, Youtube and others allow for the exchange of all types of social information both positive and negative. SM by teens are their primary means of sharing information and posting personal content. Parents should be prepared for the increase in digital connections, Smartphones, tablets and even watches open diverse challenges to managing personal information in which some type does not need to be share. Wireless technologies have allowed for unprecedented access to people and data. Because of the easy access to online resources there should always be open communication between youth/teens with their parents. The distractions and dangers of life can quickly bring tragedy and second guessing of parental responsibilities and accountability for young lives when there is death or injury from Cyberbullying and misunderstood intentions. Parents cannot allow Social Media to be a baby sitter for their children just as television should not be a substitute for parental engagement and teaching social skills. Parents may find it difficult to start a conversation about the use of technology and Social Media; start the conversation about the inclusion of Social Media in a teen’s life, parents should understand that their children may know more about technology, but parent knows more about life and survival skills. This fact alone can strengthen the conversation on safety and survival in a world of diversity in ideologies, economic status and educational access. Social Media is a snapshot of our society, being connected to multiple people with diverse backgrounds. There are growing numbers of youth and teens being lured and seduced into prostitution, sexual torture and murdered from online meetups. Technology is necessary, an important part life, the bond between families cannot afford to be disrupted by electronic devices. Communication is in a digital arena not verbal so Social Media, texting and digital interaction is common with teens. This interaction is not always sexual, but the sharing of social information can lead to situations of personal invasion. Because of the intrusiveness of technology parents need to set boundaries just as they would if their child or children were at a playground or a swimming pool. Parents need to monitor what is being shared online, some information may be dangerous or lead to future problems in developing relationships or potential child stalkers becoming friends with unguided and unmonitored youth and teens. As a Teacher of the Year, STEAM educator, a national/international Blogger and presenter of Social Media Safety, with over 25 years in public education and higher education, many teens lack the appropriate processing skills to manage their Social Media content. What they put online can be used as a benefit when they become adults or a hazard during the developing teen years. A quick comment, a moment of frustration, the thrust of jealousy and a period of anger can cause teens to post comments that have profanity, potential slanderous statements or even threats of physical or property damage. Parents cannot afford to be negligent, ignorant or complacent in their child or children’s social media activities. “Parents need to be involved and engaged even checking phones, tablets, laptops and desktops” William Jackson 2012. Stages of development for online behavior are a gradual process requiring parental supervision and parental communication. Schools cannot be responsible to totally teaching technology literacy. Canada, France, Britain and Australia all have national media literacy standards for students in their educational curriculum; the United States because the educational system is decentralized does not have a national model. Parents must be the guiding force of reason and education outside of the school. Parents set the tone for Social Media morals and ethics in Social Media conduct. A very important reminder anything that is put online stays online and never goes away. Even if a student tries to delete their online content it is backed-up on a server someplace and can be accessed. Social Media: Parents vs Teens Parents should spend more time with their kids and teens, parental involvement is important and contact not through the Internet or cell phones. Communication is becoming a lost art between parents and their children. Children and teens will post personal information online faster than thinking that they should not. This presents potential dangers that are broad and can influence future safety of the family. Talking can save your child’s life or the families from Internet and the dangers that are a real and present danger. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
William Jackson
Educational Technology and Social Media Instructor, Edward Waters College South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since September 2008 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 49 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 98 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 74 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 69 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 63 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,029 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,067 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,303 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,362 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
