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In part one, we discussed today's digital age, the internet, social media, and how they play a huge role in influencing a lot of the decisions our students make, ranging from what they deem important, popular, fashionable, and even what success and significance look like.
While the internet and social media have their perks, helping us connect, share experiences, network, learn, and stay informed, they also come with risks and potential deadly consequences, especially for our vulnerable students.
September is national suicide prevention month, and over the last couple of weeks we've been expanding our awareness and unpacking potential negative triggers impacting our students. Today, we are discussing a few more protective measures for cyber safety and ways to maintain positive mental health while engaging with the internet and social media.
Social Media/Web Safety and Well-Being: Best Practices (Part Two)
So, how can we ensure the safety of our students while they are online?
7. Beware of Scams and Phishing
We all know about scams, but our students may not recognize phishing. Phishing is exactly what it sounds like: "fishing." This is where scammers pretend to be a well-known company or established business sending fake emails in hopes of getting access to people's personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. To worsen matters, we are living in incredible times of creative scamming, AI-generated, deceptive, and very believable scams masked as sob stories, random text conversations, and sophisticated baiting that seems so real. You'll really need to be cautious not only when receiving messages with links offering things that seem too good to be true, but also when receiving DMs from people disguised as family and friends. Parents, this is where your wisdom and vigilance are crucial to protecting your students.
Do a little Google search for the latest online scams just to see what's out there and to stay knowledgeable. If you decide to search, protect yourselves by searching "what are the common online scams to be aware of for students" or something like that so your search history doesn't look shady. Hackers often use fake accounts or phishing schemes to steal personal information, so speak with your students about phishing. These scammers are patient and sophisticated, even willing to befriend you or your student to build trust before going in for a scam. Use your family code that we talked about in part one of this blog to verify sources and people before clicking on links or providing personal data..
8. Always Report Suspicious Behavior
You've heard the phrase, If you see something, say something, even if it doesn't impact you directly. It only takes 2-3 minutes of your time to be kind. If you come across cyberbullying, hate speech, someone pretending to be someone else, or any form of online harassment, do everyone a favor and click the report button. If you're the one experiencing hate or bot accounts following you, block the account and get help from a trusted person if the harassment has done emotional harm or as needed. It’s important to remove the hate you can control immediately. Don't go back-and-forth in arguments with people online.
9. Limit Location Sharing
I get that location sharing is just a thing now that many young people do, and it may seem cool to let your friends know where you are, but posting your location in real time gives strangers easier access to you. They can search for location tags and identify you based on your appearance and what you're wearing. Be mindful of geotagging or sharing your location in real time. Sharing your location puts you at risk of stalking, kidnapping, or robbery. Only share your location with trusted individuals, and avoid posting it publicly.
10. Be Mindful of Mental Health Triggers
If you feel the need to delete and unfriend people, feel free to do so. Delete any content or account that has the potential to produce deep, negative emotions in you. You shouldn't expose yourself to content that makes you feel bad about yourself, even if it appears good and positive. Constant exposure to idealized lifestyles or academic achievements can create unrealistic comparisons. If social media is triggering something in you, affecting your self-esteem or mental health, take breaks or talk to someone about how you feel. Your well-being should always come first.
11. Prioritize Your Offline Life Over Online Presence
It's important for students to keep in mind that social media only captures a portion of reality. Everything you see online isn't always real, and we can't manage our real lives based on what we see online. For parents, taking the time to consider if your student even needs a social media account is paramount. Think about it: in real life, you wouldn't allow your students to be influenced or advised by strangers' thoughts, opinions, life styles, and cringy behaviors, so this may not be a good idea to allow it virtually. Have a conversation with your student about their desire for a social media account, and be upfront about the potential dangers such as comparison, its impact on self-esteem, and its impact on overall life quality. Personally, I don't believe it's necessary for students under 12, but I trust you will do what's best for your home and family. Just be mindful of the consequences that could come with it and vigilant of their exposure.
For students, you must prioritize the real world, as it's easy to become wrapped up in the digital world. Consider this: the digital world dictates your thoughts and concerns, while your offline life awaits your control. If your friends or family are before you, spend time with them in real life while you have access to them. The online world can wait. So, manage your offline activities that bring you joy, such as exercising, spending time with friends in person, or pursuing hobbies. Striking a healthy balance between your online and offline life is key to maintaining well-being.
12. Balance Your Time
Lastly, don’t let social media consume your time. In part one of this blog, we talked about doom scrolling. Doom scrolling is scrolling without a clear stopping point, which is not only a major waste of time but it can leave you feeling horrible emotionally. Social media and being online can be a major distraction from your studies, social life, and well-being. Set screen time boundaries while also focusing on real-life experiences. By following these practices, you can enjoy the benefits of social media while safeguarding your mental health, reputation, and privacy. Social media should improve your life, so be mindful, safe, and prioritize your health!
By following these social media/web safety and well-being practices, you can enjoy the benefits of social media and the web while protecting your mental health, reputation, and privacy. Social media and the internet should enhance your life, not detract from it—so be mindful, stay safe, and prioritize your well-being!
I hope that this was helpful to you and your family, as well as a great conversation starter.
Giving yourself permission to break free from the influence of social media and the power of the internet can not only give you a fresh and new perspective on life, but it can also help prevent suicide.
Have a wonderful week!
Xo,
Coach Rahk
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