Social media has a huge impact on young people today and you will not find one teenager not using it one way or another.
Teenage Boys and Social Media
Teenage boys are on social media a great deal, even if they tend to do different things than girls do when they are on it. If you are interested in what your teenage boy is doing on social media and how you can help him use it wisely, then keep reading.
How Social Media Influences Teenage Boys
Social media has an influence on most children who use it. Teenage boys are drawn into the fun aspect, and find it easy to bond with others friends who are online, along with the fact that they can easily turn it off when they get bored.
Its influence is shown in how often teenage boys are online, and how much they talk about it when they are not. If you spend any time at all with adolescent boys, you will hear how much they quote and think about what they see online on various social media outlets. Not only do teenage boys enjoy spending time surfing on social media, it also has an influence on their social perspective and opinions.
What Teenage Boys Are Doing on Social Media
Although male teens spend a lot of time on social media, as do their female counterparts, they tend to use it differently. Some of the things you will notice your teenage son using social media for is sending jokes and memes to his friends, and researching interests such as vehicles, sports and sports figures. He will use social media as a way to find more articles on those interests, and will post about these topics himself.
A huge component of social media for boys includes online gaming. In fact, this is one of the biggest social media type outlets that you may notice your son spending time on. Online gaming attracts boys because of its competitive nature, and provides a way for him to connect with his friends through this means. Many young men even meet online friends this way, playing games regularly with the same group of people they come to know as an online presence.
Of course, social media would not be complete without the added attraction of an easy way for boys to meet girls and converse with them, especially during the earlier teen years which can be awkward for both genders.
How to Prepare Your Son to Use Social Media Responsibly
It is very important in this age of easy internet access that you teach your teenage son to act responsibly when online and when using any social media outlet. Without social media etiquette and a sense of personal responsibility, the online world can become a dangerous place.
Give your son rules such as a time limit on his internet and social media use, and conduct careful parental monitoring in regards to whom he is contacting online. Educate him on his personal responsibility not to join in online bullying, and make it clear to him that he can come to you if he is feeling threatened by anyone in any way.
Social media is a huge part of the life of modern teenage boys, and will likely continue to be for quite some time. By learning more about your son’s social media use, you will become a better parent. Steer your son in the right direction, as he participates in what is now a cultural norm and will continue to be for years to come.
Teenage Girls and Social Media
Like it or not, social media is one of the most popular methods of communication in the era that we live in. No matter what your daughter is doing on social media, it is almost guaranteed that she is on there in some form. It is important for you as a parent to know what is happening on social media so that you can be aware of the benefits and downfalls of it, and can protect your child from the possible dangers.
How Social Media Influences Teenage Girls
Social media is the new way to stay in touch with all that is popular. Whether it is searching for new hairstyles, forwarding memes, or participating in group chats, social media is taking up a lot of time in the lives of adolescent children.
Social media can be used for good, helping your daughter to stay in touch with her friends and distant family members. It can also be used for negative things, such as exposing your daughter to the unpleasant thoughts of others, as well as allowing tragic situations such as online bullying.
What Teenage Girls Are Doing on Social Media
Your daughter is doing many things on social media. It is more than likely she is connecting with friends. With sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it is easy to connect with others so that individuals can share photos, jokes and fitness videos among many other things. Your daughter is probably building networking skills as she meets friends of friends and connects with them on a slightly personal level.
Sending and posting photos is also, of course, a very popular thing to do on social media. There are personal photos shared, humorous photos and pictures of the latest concerts and events your daughter has participated in.
Another thing your daughter is able to do on social media is to research her interests. From fashion to pop culture to music, your teen can find it all online. Her and her friends will likely post, share, and send links to each other about whatever is popular at the moment. The internet and social media in particular is amazing in the opportunities it provides for research in any area one is interested in.
How to Prepare Your Daughter to Use Social Media Responsibly
Social media is a great opportunity, but it can also be dangerous. There are several steps your daughter should take before she joins any social media sites, or views anyone else’s.
First, talk with your daughter about where she is at. Is she able to participate in public, online conversations without getting too involved? Does she know the dangers of keeping important and personal information private? Is she dedicated to not only avoid bullying situations, but also to stand against them? Is she willing to put time limits on herself, and show responsibility in her use of social media?
Take steps to assist her in becoming accountable in her use of social media. Some suggestions include adding her as a friend or contact on whatever particular medium she is involved in, and letting her know that you will be regularly checking in on her by using a password that is known to both of you.
For teens, social media is going to be around a long time. Although certain social media websites may come and go, this way of keeping in touch will be around awhile. Use this opportunity to help your daughter navigate a new experience which will assist her life skills long term.
