Social media like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook has taken a toll over teenagers over the years. Many kids get cyberbullied and can feel down about themselves when seeing others. Social media allows teens to create online identities and communicate with others through a device. Sometimes, social media can be a good influence. Like providing online support to one another. Teens also use social media as entertainment and sometimes learn healthy behaviors too. There are people on the internet that have good intentions too. Some people want to spread awareness, show off their personal life, and to inspire others.

However, social media can have an awfully bad impact on teens and older children. It can make sleep schedules messed up. Teens would rather stay on their phone to finish a movie, to talk to someone, or just for the fun of it than going to bed on time for School in the morning. The technology device can also be a very big distraction. You could be at the dinner table with your family and be distracted by your phone and not conversate with them. Or while at Work or School, you should be doing your job or School work instead of scrolling through face-book or snapping someone back on snapchat.

Another bad side of social media that is a huge problem is cyber-bullying. Cyber bullying affects a teens mental health, academic performance, being non-social, and even suicidal thoughts. Cyber bullying is when you harass, manipulate, and can easily lie about your identification. It can be dangerous too; child predators are all over the internet lying about their identity. It is especially important to educate your children about speaking up when it comes to bullying on the internet or someone strange messaging you. There is peer pressure and bad influences on the internet too. That is what you must learn to ignore.

Lastly, the unrealistic views people show to have on the internet. For example, when girls see another girl with a nice body in a picture on Instagram. It could easily be edited with many apps. Not everything on the internet is true. Set limits with your teen and explain the safety issues of social media. Protect your teens.