Understanding Teens and their Online World – Essential knowledge for every Parent
The digital world is an enormous draw for teens, offering incredible advancements in education, social interaction, and hobbies. Yet, there's always a balance to be struck between benefit and risk. Cyberbullying and online harassment remain significant concerns, with statistics indicating that a substantial percentage of teenagers have experienced some form of online harassment.
This week’s session focused on helping parents understand the digital challenges teens face and guiding them in building a safety net around their online interactions to reduce risks. We were joined by the brilliant Trisha Prabhu, 24-year-old inventor, Founder, and CEO of ReThink, who provided invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of social media. Together, we explored practical approaches to addressing online bullying, aiming to create a safer and more supportive online environment for teens.
Common Online Risks for Teens
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: A significant number of teenagers experience cyberbullying, with statistics indicating that 30-55% of youth in the US and UK have faced online harassment. This issue is systematic and disproportionately affects certain groups, such as women, who are often targeted due to their identity.
Social Media Pressure: Social media platforms influence how young people perceive themselves. The constant feedback loop of likes, comments, and followers can lead to a distorted self-image, as teens are often judged on their social value.
Misinformation: The online information ecosystem is rife with misinformation. Studies have shown that fake news spreads faster than authentic news, making it difficult for young people to discern truth from falsehood.
AI and Deep Fakes: The rise of AI has exacerbated online harassment, particularly through the creation of non-consensual deep fake content. This technology can severely damage reputations and mental health, especially among women.
Impact of Excessive Screen Time
Trisha talked about how excessive screen time and social media use can have detrimental effects on teens' mental and physical health. It can lead to sleep disturbances, compulsive behaviour, and issues with self-image. Moreover, the lack of in-person socialisation due to increased online interaction can result in loneliness and a decrease in overall well-being.
Supporting Teens in the Digital World
Trisha shared practical tips for parents and carers:
Proactive Conversations: Engage in open discussions about the internet and digital safety before issues arise. This builds trust and positions parents as knowledgeable allies in navigating digital challenges.
Collaborative Rule-Setting: Establish family rules for digital device use that everyone follows, such as no phones during dinner. This consistency reinforces the importance of balance and responsible use.
Monitoring and Guidance: Use parental controls to manage app usage and screen time. A staggered approach to app adoption can help teens gradually learn to navigate digital spaces responsibly.
Encouraging Authenticity: Promote the value of being authentic online and help teens understand the manipulated nature of many online images and personas.
Addressing Cyberbullying
If a teen is experiencing cyberbullying (including image based cyberbullying), it's crucial to confirm the situation and provide support without panic. Taking screenshots and reporting incidents to appropriate authorities, such as the school or police, can help address the issue. It's important to involve the teen in the process to ensure they feel supported and empowered.
It's not easy for parents to completely understand and keep pace with Teens and their Technology, but by understanding the challenges they face and providing thoughtful support, parents and caregivers can help teens develop healthy digital habits and resilience against online harms. Patience and open communication can help teens to think more carefully aout how they interact and behave in a safer way.
More information about ReThink™
ReThink detects offensive content and encourages users to rethink sending it, stopping online hate proactively. Today, ReThink’s technology (named one of Google Play’s Most Innovative Apps), educational materials, and anti-cyberbullying advocacy have been shared with young digital citizens worldwide.
Find out more by visiting Trisha’s website: https://www.trishaprabhu.com/
Trisha’s book ‘Rethink the Internet’ is available now.