Teens and Social Media

I just read some interesting statistics on how much our teens are saturated with social media in our culture today.  According to the Center for Media Research, 90% of 13 to 17 year-olds have used some form of social media.  75% currently have a profile on a social networking site, and 20% have a Twitter account. The most popular place for social media is Facebook, with 68% saying they use it as their primary social networking platform.  Regarding their daily habits, 68% text every day, 51% visit social networking sites daily, 11% send or receive tweets at least once a day, and 34% visit their main social networking site several times a day.  Keep in mind, that none of this is texting, just social media.

Educators are noticing that the proliferation of texting and social media is having an impact on the way children write.  Instead of writing complete sentences, shortened phrases with abbreviations are creeping into the way kids write.  Also, penmanship seems to be suffering as well since kids are using keyboards and cellphone buttons instead of pen and paper.

For parents, it is vitally important for you to put limits on what your kids are doing on social media.  At what age do you think it is appropriate for your child to begin using social media, and what forms are acceptable to you?  This also means putting time limits on what they are doing, both in the amount of time spent, as well as when and how late your kids can be using it.  You should also give them guidance on what is acceptable and not regarding content.  Sexting (sending sexually provocative pictures) is an obvious example, but teaching your kids to be careful about communicating personal information is also important. Take time to teach your children manners regarding their use of social media when they are around other people. Finally, I strongly recommend that you be told of any and all social media outlets your kids are using and have 24-7 access to all of it.

Blessings,
Dr. Paul