Dr. Glenn Lipson recently did an article with Frederick Lane Esq. on helping students be responsible digital citizens appearing on Community Matters, April 25, 2015
In the article Dr Lipson and attorney Fred Lane explains that in a remarkably short time, social media has become the leading method by which teens connect, communicate, and share interests. It is crucially important for families and educators to develop and maintain an awareness of social media channels and apps.
…A little over a year ago, the Pew Research Center published a report entitled “Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015” that found that of the 92% of teens that go online daily, 24% described themselves as “almost constantly online.” Teens are also not making it easy for parents to monitor by limiting themselves to a single network; in fact, nearly three-quarters of teens report that they use more than one social network each day.
…Perhaps the best-known and most pervasive risk is cyberbullying, which is generally defined as using a digital device and online service to communicate hostile, false and embarrassing information about another person. The psychological impact of cyberbullying can be profound: manifestations can include depression, anxiety, severe isolation, and in rare but tragic instances, even suicide.
Another pressing problem for parents is the phenomenon of sexting. “Sexting” is defined as sending, receiving, or forwarding a sexually explicit message or image, typically using a mobile device. Sexual exploration and flirtation is completely normal among teens, of course, but the advent of digital technology has raised some fresh and difficult challenges for parents. The most pressing concern is the fact that nude images of individuals under the age of 18 constitute child pornography under federal and most state laws. Without realizing it, many teens put their futures at risk by creating and sharing such images.
…Less familiar but of growing concern is the phenomenon of “Facebook depression,” which refers to the psychological impact seen in both pre-teens and teens who spend a great deal of time on social media sites. The intensity of the online world can trigger depression and adolescence, weight gain associated with sleep disruption, a sense of social isolation and various arousal disorders.
No single conversation between parents and children will adequately educate them about the risks of online misconduct or carelessness. What is required is a commitment to maintaining ongoing communication through face-to-face conversations over the course of childhood that can help guide children towards healthy, appropriate and respectful online interactions with their peers.
Cyber Traps by Frederick Lane is a crucial book to have as you guide your teens through the internet social media.
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By Glenn Lipson, PhD
May, 2016
All Rights Reserved, do not reproduce in whole or in part without the express written consent of the author.