Although the internet holds an immense role in facilitating kids’ education as numerous technological gadgets help to enhance proper assimilation and development of the student's inert gift. Despite the benefits provided, the negative effect of social media on a child's education is detrimental.

These effects are real and increase daily, so there is a need to sort out a drastic approach to manage the situation. Sexual abuse and cyberbullying are the most common demerit of the internet. Still, I will like to inform you that it supersedes that information as young ones now feels traumatized because of this nemesis.

More than 90% of teenagers own a smartphone, and 70% have digital accounts. Another statistic shows that  40% of teenagers express that student social media account make them feel negative about themselves. Some common disadvantages of underage having full access to social media include;

Exposure to adult content

The internet is a free society as most countries and platforms don’t have restrictions for minors that browse the web. So if you have an underage within your care, the best you can do is to monitor the kind of material they consume online by putting a limit on their computable devices. 

Students get exposed to different materials online, either from peers or family. But, of course, you won't want your ward to get adult materials from strangers or family. So to reduce the risk of this happening, you can set their profile to private and one in a week or more, go through their message, emails, chats, and create a close relationship with them to express themselves if such occurs.

According to a publication by Reuters Health, Feb.2018, one in every 12 teens have their sexual content shared online without their permission, as another research shows one in seven teens send adult themes with or without their consent.

Underage start to question the adult judgment

Studies show that individuals less than age 17 years do not have their prefrontal cortex fully developed. The brain part responsible for making the right judgment is the prefrontal cortex. Lack of proper development of this part of the brain might lead to you making some irrational decisions.

There are individuals of different age groups on social media; students might not be able to sieve appropriate materials for their consumption. In a situation whereby an adult tries to take a corrective approach against the irrational learner’s decision, the underage might try to question the guardian's judgment. Global audience access is another reason why this attitude is typical. A child struggling with low self-esteem might feel the only place to find control is online. 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is natural and common among young ones. More than 50% of teens in the US report cases of online harassment. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, etc., need to put in features that will help to curb this problem. 

Some students express that on some occasions; they have to skip classes because they experience cyberbullying. If this nefarious attitude continues, it can lead to depression, making the child vulnerable in adulthood. Ensure getting involved in your child's daily life so they can tell you if anyone violates their right. As a student, to avoid being a victim or a bully yourself, reduce the constant use of social media.

Acquittances with stranger

The availability of technology makes it easy to connect with anybody worldwide. The truth is, you can not know everyone's inner intentions as there are fraudsters, pedophiles, hackers, etc., who act unsuspectedly on social media. On a digital platform, a 15 years old girl can be chatting with another 15-year-old stranger online, but in reality, the unknown individual is an adult male. Student social media accounts make it easy to conceal intentions, so learners need to be careful when dealing with strangers.

Dealing with someone face-to-face is relatively easy compared to an online presence as teens may develop trust for someone they meet on social media, which is quite dangerous. Furthermore, students should be careful with their online information, like their residential address, full name, credit card number, etc.

Waste time

While digital platforms help facilitate learning, it can be a disadvantage when abused in some instances. For example, 44% of teenagers spend more than 4 hours on social media platforms daily, too much for students still undergoing the learning process.

If this attitude continues, it will reach a stage where learners will spend almost the whole day online, and they might not achieve any dream if they turn it into a habit. The best approach is to limit the child’s online presence and have a timetable for when they access your account.

Final thought

Student social media account can be a tool that helps learners connect and stay in touch with loved ones. However, when kids get too used to these platforms, it affects their self-esteem, and they might judge other people's opinions. To utilize these platforms, sit your child down and enlighten them on the danger of excessive use of social media.

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