By Valaysia Smith, Teen Reporter
Social media is a pretty big thing in our world; it is the center of many teen lives.
There are apps ranging from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Snapchat, Discord, and the list goes on. Our growing dependency on social media apps is becoming a problem not only for teens but for adults and children as well.
Often we don’t think before we act. In any situation, our first response is to go to our phones. Many teens post feelings and responses on social media without thinking.
Recently KNOE-TVreported that three juveniles were charged for text message threats. Ages: 15 and two 11-year-olds.
Kids. Sometimes, we’ll say all sorts of things, and probably don’t mean it but that’s not the point; it’s still a threat. If we get on our phones and text friends or whatever group chat we’re in “oh I’m going to beat up so and so tomorrow” the person sending the text can get charged for that.
Mean and hurtful social media posts, especially those that threaten violence can be called cyberbullying and can result in criminal charges.
Often we don’t see the danger that the misuse of social media can cause. The point is that even if we realize that what we did was wrong at the last minute and delete it, if someone screenshots it, we’re done for. Not to mention there are hackers that dig things up, nothing is ever gone forever when it comes to dealing with the internet.
I’m not saying all teens do this but we should work to protect ourselves before we are driven down this path. No one wants to end up in Green Oaks Detention or wherever the bad juveniles go, right? We should be working on learning how to use our phones properly.
Parents reading this might become uneasy. However, there is no need to be afraid if the proper restrictive tools are used.
For example, if you’re an Apple user then you’re aware that there’s a mode on-screen time that can keep your child from owning certain apps and even limiting the time they can use the app. There are places like Bark that manage what your child can access from the internet. There are also apps like Offline, App Block, Self-Control, and Freedom to give parents some control.
Parents remember that you don’t have to go full detective mode, but you still have to show us how to use a phone wisely and with discretion.
And that doesn’t mean taking them to the mountains and placing them under waterfalls!
