Parents should play more active role in helping kids navigate downsides of social media
As children turn increasingly to social media for validation, parents must be the first line of defence, says the writer.
I read the news feature, “The Big Read: Dangers lurk in youth’s chase for social media ‘likes’” (July 27), with great concern.
With pre-teens increasingly drawing validation from “likes” and interactions on social media, parents need to play a more active role in journeying with them to navigate these platforms.
For adolescents, the thrill of online “likes” and interactions may draw them into a deeper addiction to social media, risking greater exposure to online dangers and scams.
It is, therefore, imperative for parents to take steps to be the first line of defence. This is to safeguard their children from digital dangers, and strengthen their identity and self-esteem in these crucial formative years.
While parents may be concerned about their teens being preoccupied with online social validation, they may struggle with how to guide them without causing more friction in the relationship or triggering greater pushback or resistance from their children.
First, parents may consider adopting a conversational and empathetic approach to understand their teen's perspective and motivations for spending time on social media, and the value they place on “likes” and viewership garnered from online posts.
Children are usually more receptive when parents are attentive rather than being quick to interject.
Second, parents may try the funnel-enquiring approach. They may first encourage their children to talk about the latest functions or trends on social-media platforms, or even have them demonstrate how these functions work, before asking more about their digital social environment, such as who they follow online and which friends are active on social media.
As their children become more comfortable discussing each layer of information, parents can take the opportunity to have deeper conversations to understand them better.
Importantly, parents may choose to be more intentional in observing and affirming their children's strengths, positive attitudes and behaviours. When parents do this regularly, it signals that these attributes are more valuable than “likes”, online viewership and popularity.
Positive parenting will strengthen the parent-child bond, paving the way for families to have conversations about the boundaries of using and consuming media.
Teens today face unprecedented levels of pressure, as they have to navigate the digital space and contend with other issues, including academic stress, peer pressure and identity development.
Hence, the family’s role in offering acceptance is crucial to providing security and stability in their children’s growing years.
When parents show love, appreciation and acceptance, their children grow up to be more confident in who they are — online and offline.
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