Cairo High School issued the following announcement on Dec. 6
One topic that frequently comes up when talking to parents is social media and the impact it has on their child. As you may have guessed, many of the student issues that occur in schools are in some way connected to social media. This seems logical given that such a large percentage of our students are on social media. The issues that used to take place in the cafeteria or locker room are now taking place on apps like Yik Yak, Snapchat, or Instagram. Social media has compounded many of these issues because once something is posted, it has the potential to be repeated and reshared forever.
Social media occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week preventing students from getting a break from peer issues once they leave school. Social media can also have other negative effects on children including anxiety, depression, your child’s sleep and self-image. The use of social media can increase the likelihood that your child will be exposed to cyberbullying, which can also negatively impact his/her mental health.
So what can parents do to prevent the negative impact of social media? Common Sense Media provides many great resources for parents. Click the following link for more information.
Social Media Information for Parents by Age
While these tips are helpful, it is equally important for you to have open and honest conversations with your child regarding social media. You should encourage your child to utilize social media as a tool for good. Remind your child that he/she can always come to you or another trusted adult if he/she ever needs help navigating the issues that can arise on social media. It is critically important that your child create a positive image on social media for future colleges and/or employers. Remind your child to think about the possible impact before posting anything on social media. If you would like to learn more about supporting your child on social media, please visit Common Sense Media’s website at www.commonsensemedia.org.
Original source can be found here.
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