Social media networking: Parent guidance required

Abstract

Social media networking is the number‐ one online activity for teenagers. Children and teens are social beings who love engaging with means that enable them to interact with others, around the clock, through texts, pictures, videos, instant messaging, and more. Over 60% of 13–17‐year‐olds have at least one profile on a social networking site, with many spending more than 2 hours per day on social networking sites. Recent data suggests that social media venues like Facebook and Twitter have surpassed e‐mail as the preferred method of communication in all age groups. While today's tweens and teens may be more digitally savvy than their parents, their lack of maturity and life experience can quickly get them into trouble with these new social venues. For this reason, it is imperative that parents help their children of all ages to use social media wisely.