It is undeniable that social networks are part of our lives, especially in the case of adolescents, who have not known any other context. This entails many benefits, but also some risks that cannot go unnoticed, since they can have an impact on the mental health of young people.
On the positive side we have the use of networks to interact socially. Thus, the Internet can represent a great support, especially for those young people who feel excluded from their closest circle, since it allows them to connect with other people and express themselves. Social networks have also eliminated geographical borders, which is beneficial for getting to know other cultures and, therefore, opening your mind.
But, on the other hand, there are risk factors that must be taken into account. Among them are lack of sleep, access to pornography at a very young age, exposure of their private lives (which can lead to negative comments and social pressure) and cyberbullying, a form of harassment through the Internet. Thus, although adolescents need distance from their parents to build their personality, it is vitally important that the adult members of the family do not neglect their education, since they are at a delicate moment in their lives.
But help teenagers to be autonomous and, at the same time, guarantee their safety on the networks, It is not an easy task. So how to approach it?
Although networks are a bridge to build relationships, paradoxically they can be counterproductive when it comes to building good communication. The adolescent may become isolated and unable to maintain other types of relationships other than online relationships.
2. Idealization, comparison and poor self-esteem
Networks are showcases where, in general, people exhibit the best of themselves, whether real or not. This can lead to idealization on the part of the adolescent, with the comparisons and pressure that this entails. Therefore, a gap is produced between reality and the “network identity”, and all of this can lead to a loss of self-esteem. The teenager no longer knows who he is and may feel confused and disoriented.
3. Image distortion
Closely linked to the above, Low self-esteem in adolescents comes from a distorted image of themselves, which can lead to body dysmorphia disorder, that is, seeing defects that do not exist, or that a priori are not so relevant, to the point of creating a deep complex. Let us remember that filtered and properly retouched photographs are constantly uploaded on the Internet to achieve beauty standards. When the teenager looks in the mirror without filters, he may think that she is “inferior.” In more severe cases, this can lead to eating disorders and/or anxiety.
4. Depression and anxiety disorders
It is proven that constant interaction with networks entails a greater risk of suffering from depression and/or anxiety problems, closely linked to what we mentioned previously: the pressure to maintain the “idealized image” of oneself.
When we talk about “inappropriate content,” we usually mean pornography. According to the latest surveys, young people are beginning to consume porn at increasingly younger ages. This is around 12 years old. And if age is a concern, the type of porn they watch is more of a concern. It is not surprising, therefore, the constant drip of news about sexual assaults where it is appreciated a radical decrease in the age of those involved
Other inappropriate content is, for example, those linked to extremist messages. It is well known that certain radical groups recruit their followers through social networks. Another example is videos with violent content, attacks not only sexual, but also physical, often of acts perpetrated by young people themselves towards defenseless victims, and then spread on their networks to boast about it. This causes a kind of “challenge” that seems to have no end.
When can there be a problem?
In our daily lives, networks are completely normalized, so it is common for us not to immediately realize the existence of a problem. Some clear signs are a decline in academic performance, the avoidance of relationships with people around them, or the appearance of apathy or disinterest in activities that previously motivated them.
The most obvious example is the fear of remaining disconnected from networks, that is, the appearance of anxiety at the mere idea of leaving the house without a cell phone, called nomophobia, or at the thought of missing an update. We must keep in mind that we live in a world where uncertainty is not tolerated and immediate responses are required for everything, and young people, due to their vulnerability, are the most susceptible to these risks.
How to help teenagers manage the domain of networks?
Identifying the symptoms is the first step. In addition, there are some strategies that can help you when it comes to supporting your children when managing their connection to networks.
1. Set limits
We must set limits regarding the time spent on networks These limits must be very clear and, at the same time, reasonable. We will gain nothing by prohibiting too much or exaggerating.
2. Parental supervision
Parents or caregivers of the minor must play an active role in protecting their children from the negative effects of the networks. To do this, it is essential to establish good, open and sincere communication with them.
Adults should be role models Therefore, we must “lead by example”: it is contradictory for us to set limits for our children if we then spend the entire afternoon surfing the networks.
3. Promote activities outside the digital environment
Spending time in front of a screen is not bad, as long as it is combined with other activities unrelated to the digital world. Emotional stability is found in this balance, so parents or guardians should encourage activities that do not involve entering the networks; among them, sports, artistic activities or, simply, the cultivation of “real” relationships, face to face.
4. Teach the value of privacy
Parents and guardians should teach their children the value of privacy. Thus, it is necessary to encourage application configurations in this sense and to clearly explain the risks involved in exposing private life on networks.
