The Usage of Social Media Websites
The usage of social media websites is undoubtedly the most widespread activity, particularly among the young. Social media sites are any websites that allow individuals to engage with one another. MySpace, Facebook, Club Penguin, Twitter, Second Life, and YouTube are among the most popular public websites (O'Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). The aforementioned social sites have seen significant growth, providing the young people with an ideal platform for fun and conversation. Because young children and teens spend so much time on social media, it is critical that parents learn about their nature, as not all of them are healthy. The pediatrics are in a much superior position to assist the parents in better understanding the sites and, learn how to screen for probable challenges with sexting, depression, contact to unsuitable content, and cyber bullying.
Development of the Article and Research Methods
The authors have developed the article using secondary data as the method of research. Also, questionnaires and surveys were used as method of gathering data for the article. Secondary research relies on primary data and the researcher has to look for relevant primary data and do an analysis. The end result of secondary research is a well-founded and authentic paper. O'Keeffe and Clarke-Pearson (2011) asserts that routine use of social media helps in enhancing the children's social connection, technical and communication skills as they interact with classmates and, friends with mutual interests. Due to peer pressure influence and the inadequate ability for self-control, the adolescents and children are at big risk while exploring the social sites. Research asserts that there are increased online expressions of offline behavior like clique forming, sexual experimentations, and bullying. Although most parents use the internet comfortably, they find it tough to relate to their digitally shrewd children. The knowledge difference of the social sites between parents and children develops disconnect in how both contribute to the social site together (O'Keeffe, & Clarke-Pearson, 2011).
Risks of Unmonitored Social Media Use
The unmonitored use of the social sites by the parents place the children at risk of cyberbullying, Facebook depression, and sexting. Cyber bullying is understood as the spiteful use of digital media to transfer deceitful and embarrassing information regarding another person. It is quite common among the young population and could lead to intense psychological results. Sexting entails the sending and receiving of sexually explicit materials by use of digital devices. Teens charged with the felony face suspension from school and emotional distress. On the other hand, Facebook depression is a new term defining a type of depression which occurs when teens spend a lot of time on social media (O'Keeffe, & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). The main risks to the young population spending time online include; sharing too much information, improper use of technology and uploading fabricated information regarding themselves or others.
Benefits of Social Media for Children
Nonetheless, social media offers children an opportunity for socialization, communication and enhanced learning. The children get an opportunity to learn about various community engagements like volunteering for local events and charity (O'Keeffe, & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). The social sites also allow children to connect with classmates and carry out group projects or homework together. Further, the youth can easily access valid health information anonymously on topics of interest like stress reduction and signs of depression.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the article insists that it is vital for parents to constantly evaluate whether the social sites their children visit are within the acceptable age limit. The parents should also learn how various advertisements manipulate online users and help their children in becoming media-literate consumers. The parents should seek help from pediatricians who can provide information on the complications of the digital world and, tough health and social setbacks faced by the young population. Additionally, the parents should be ready to face the main issues surrounding social anxiety, depression, bullying, sexual development and risk-taking (O'Keeffe, & Clarke-Pearson, 2011).
Reference
O'Keeffe, G. S., & Clarke-Pearson, K. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800-804.
