Social Media/Web Safety and Well-Being: Best Practices for Students (Part One)

In today's digital age, the internet and social media play a huge role in influencing a lot of the decisions our students make based on what's popular, phrases/slangs they use, their ideals, how they see themselves physically, and even how they define success. 

While this is a sobering (and very scary) reality, the internet and social media are here to stay, and the best way to mitigate their impact is to establish boundaries that limit their influence. And even as parents and educators, social media and the web are an essential part of our lives as well. It's how we connect, share, share experiences, network, learn, and stay informed.

Given the internet and social media's huge influence, we must recognize how we and our students use them and how they affect our well-being, especially our impressionable students. While it can be enjoyable and helpful, if not used responsibly, it also comes with risks and potential deadly consequences. 

September is national suicide prevention month, and we're expanding our awareness of this topic. Today, we are discussing the importance of cyber safety and ways to maintain positive mental health while engaging with the internet and social media.

Before we dive into social media/web safety and well-being strategies to protect our students' mental health, I would like to share a couple of statistics. 

BGCP: Cyberbullying Stats

According to Drug Rehab USA

• Cyberbullying nearly doubles the likelihood of students attempting suicide. 

• Approximately 37% of bullying victims develop social anxiety. 

• Over 59% of US teenagers have experienced bullying or harassment online. 

• Cyberbullying has affected over 14% of children aged 9 to 12. 

Social Media/Web Safety and Well-Being: Best Practices for Students (Part One)

So, how can we ensure the safety of our students while they are online? Parents, this info is written for the students but also applicable for us as well.  

1. Guard Your Privacy

Consistently modify the privacy settings on your social media accounts and phones. Restrict the visibility of personal information, location, and posts. Avoid sharing sensitive data, such as home address, phone number, or school schedule, publicly. Many students these days have made a habit of sharing their location with their friends. Parents, be sure to ask who has your child's location and vet the "friends" with whom your student shares a location.

Remember that what you post online can stay there forever. Yes, even if you delete it, it will still be there, stored somewhere. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to keep your accounts secure.

Create a code word with your family and trusted friends to share as a form of verification when you're uncertain. Always ask for that code word before making any move. Lastly, think seriously about having a public and open profile. When you have an open profile, you expose yourself to millions of strangers and their opinions online. 

2. Curate Your Feed for Positivity

Have you noticed how your mood can shift instantly within 3 minutes of being on social media? Who you follow matters. Consistent exposure to negativity and garbage will eventually manifest itself into your perspective and out of your mouth. So, surround yourself with content that uplifts you, whether it’s motivational accounts, study tips, or hobbies that interest you. Don't be afraid to unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel anxious, insecure, or overly negative. And remember, you don't owe any explanations of why you've unfollowed them.

3. Be Aware of Cyberbullying

As you know, online interactions aren’t always kind. There are numerous bots and fake accounts that individuals create with the intention of causing division and chaos. So, don't even waste your energy on addressing comments from people you don't know or recognize. If you encounter cyberbullying, block the individuals involved and report them.

Please refrain from engaging with harmful comments or behaviors; it's not worth it, and it's likely that you won't ever see this person in real life. Don't give your time and energy away. If you know the bully in real life, seek support from trusted adults or school counselors if needed. 

4. Set Boundaries for Screen Time

Endless doom scrolling can quickly become overwhelming, leading to anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy. You need to be mindful when you find yourself scrolling endlessly, as it is a habit that won't end! There is no clearly defined cut-off for the scroll if you don't set one.

Set daily limits for social media usage, and make sure you’re taking breaks. There are apps like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) that can help track usage and set boundaries. You can also check your usage in most apps as well. Create a pact with your friends to limit your scrolling within a specific time frame, and regularly check in to ensure accountability. 

5. Be Selective with Friend Requests

Only accept friend requests or follow requests from people you know. Fake accounts or strangers could be trying to access your information or manipulate you for scams or malicious activities. There is a LOT of scamming on social media and online. Hear me out: a single click on a random link can grant access to everything on your phone. Do not click random links!

We've already discussed this, but it's worth repeating here. You, your family, and your friends need to create a code word to share in case a "fake friend" uses someone you know's identity and tries to deceive you. Ask for the code word before moving forward. 

6. Think Before You Post

Remember, what you post online stays online—even if you delete it. Do not post when upset, discouraged, or experiencing any negative emotions! Emotional postings can come back to bite you. I like to say our emotions will take us on a trip and leave us stranded. Don't let this happen, and remember, your social media is not a diary. You'll have to be mindful of who is following you. That said, while a comment may be okay with some of your followers, other followers do not need to know certain things. And future employers, college admissions teams, or even potential scholarships may review your social media profiles. Avoid sharing inappropriate content, negative comments, or anything you wouldn’t want a future professional to see. 

By following these practices on social media/web safety and well-being, you can enjoy the benefits of social media and the web while safeguarding 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!

In the following week, we will delve deeper and talk about a handful of other aspects about 

the safety of social media and the web, so make sure you come back for part two. I hope that this was helpful to you and your family, and that it served 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