Social Media Challenges: Top 5 Issues You Need to Know

The advent of social media has impacted us in many positive ways, especially teens and pre-teens. It has enabled them to stay connected with their friends and family, classmates, and teachers 24*7. It has also made it easier to fetch news and latest updates. Teenagers are using at least one social media platform in today’s times and visit those websites regularly. However, despite there being so many benefits of social media, there are also some drawbacks or challenges that accompany the use of social media. Making bad choices online can lead to these threats becoming a reality.

In this blog, we will look at some of the challenges that social media can pose for teens and pre-teens and will also discuss ways in which parents can tackle these issues. So, let’s dive in.

What are the challenges of using social media?

The challenges of using social media are multifaceted with the below-mentioned 5 social media problems standing out as the most pervasive. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Cyberbullying:

Bullying is unfortunately a common practice in schools when it comes to teenagers. However, it has become even more prevalent with the coming of social media. This can be in the form of sending mean comments, inappropriate pictures, or comments to harass or tease a child online. It cannot only tarnish the image of a person online but can also be a common cause of eating and sleeping disorders and even severe issues such as social anxiety and depression.

Privacy concerns:

Kids should be made aware of their boundaries. In some cases, for instance, they might share sensitive information like the place where they reside, their school name, etc. Online predators with such information can easily target children and can cause them harm. This is not just limited to causing trouble online but also physical harm as they have access to the location of the children as well.

Health issues:

Health problems, both direct and indirect, emerge from excessive and unsafe social media use. Headaches, posture issues, and sleep deprivation are direct impacts, while indirect consequences encompass mental health issues like depression and anxiety arising from cyberbullying, fraud, and stalking.

Inappropriate content:

Inappropriate content further compounds the challenges, as social media platforms become breeding grounds for sharing harmful material. Verification challenges regarding users' age can expose children to content unsuitable for their maturity level, including ads featuring violence, adult content, or discriminatory messages.

Time drain:

Time drain is one of the most common issues when it comes to social media. It may lead to social media addiction that might result in academic performance issues as well. Without timely intervention, children risk becoming excessively attached to their devices, impacting their overall well-being and educational achievements.

How can parents address these social media issues?

Digital literacy: One of the very crucial things is to educate your children about the potential risks and consequences of sharing personal and sensitive information online. Keep updating yourself and them about the digital landscape and how their actions online can cause real-life implications. Also, talk about the importance of being kind and empathetic towards others online.
Use privacy settings: There are built-in privacy settings that one can change and adjust on various social media apps. Educate your children about these features. Discuss the importance of limiting the audience for their posts and the information that they share online. Set household rules for social media consumption Establish clear rules regarding screen time and social media usage as a family. Set realistic time limits to ensure that social media doesn't interfere with other important aspects of their lives, such as homework, sleep, and face-to-face interactions.
Use of Spy Apps: Utilize parental control and monitoring apps to keep track of your child's online activities. These apps can help you understand their digital behavior and identify potential issues before they escalate. For example, if your child is spending too much time on Instagram, use an Instagram spy app or if they are always on WhatsApp calls, use a WhatsApp spy app or a WhatsApp call recorder. You can choose the apps and features according to your requirements. There are trustworthy spy app for Android like ONEMONITAR that are safe and reliable to use.
Promote positive talks and activities: Promote a balanced lifestyle by encouraging offline activities such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends in person. This helps reduce the risk of social media addiction and promotes overall well-being.

Wrapping up

Social media has impacted us in numerous wonderful ways but it also comes with its own set of challenges like cyberbullying, health issues, and more. However, there are ways to tackle these issues. One of the most prominent ways is to opt for hidden call recorders or spy apps that will help in safeguarding the kids before someone harms them. ONEMONITAR is one such trusted mobile spy app that offers 60+ features along with safety as its top priority.