Is Social Media Brainwashing Children?

Social media influence scares me. I'm a parent of teenagers and social media is their life. The influence of social media is frightening and real. As a parent i'm concerned. Its not as simple as stopping them looking at it. Its a far bigger problem than that.

Headlines like below scare me as to what can be viewed as acceptable and desirable to children.

School kids asking for advice on strangulation during sex - as abuse victim issues warning

Teen girls report more social media issues than boys

'Boys formed Andrew Tate club in school'

Social media influence permeates through our children's lives. I had wrongly assumed my my child was too young to be affected by social media influence. 'He's too young'. That myth was blown apart when he quoted a 'fact' from Andrew Tate to me. This was a hard fact he absolutely believed.

Friends at school were saying the same thing and Andrew Tate was someone who could be believed.

Andrew Tate's views and behaviour were acceptable and even admirable in my sons eyes.

‘Boys formed Andrew Tate club in school'

Charities in the UK are reporting

‘Schoolchildren are asking teachers how to strangle a partner during sex safely, a charity says, while official figures show an alarming rise in the crime related to domestic abuse cases.’

Social media and technology are influencing our children in ways we don't understand.

We don't understand because that generation hasn't grown up but these headlines give an insight into the behaviours and norms that are being formed now.

We shouldn’t be surprised.

Social media influence is not a new revelation. Generations of children have been influenced in this way but previously influences were from regulated and narrow sources, TV, comics and films.  Social media is so readily available. Its a window to the world and every dark corner.

What should parents do? We can't change the world.

Don’t bury your head in the sand.

Social media influence is happening even if your child doesn’t have a phone or technology. It's part of their life at school or outside.

Be informed

Understand what's happening. What's trending. Follow news outlets and accounts like us. We’ll endeavour to raise these issues. The BBC and Guardian are good sources.

Admit your concerned.

We’re parents and were scared and confused. We all want our children to grow up to be responsible and decent human beings. Realising your concerns is a good starting point to getting help and guidance we think.

Start understanding.

Talk to the experts.  Your children are a good starting point. My son helped me understand what he enjoyed looking at. What engaged him and made him laugh.  This really helped me understand him and how he used technology.

Don’t be afraid to talk about Andrew Tate and other issues.

To listen and not dismiss your child. Your trying to educate them but not in a, your wrong I'm right sort of way that doesn't allow their opinion. The key is education for them to understand and be a judge or what they are shown and told.

Be a good role model for them.

Discuss behaviours and what is good behaviour. Be understanding and supportive. They haven't done anything wrong and they must feel they can come to you to and be able to discuss things.

Stay calm and reasonable.

Getting angry or frustrated won't help. Take time out if needed and try again.

Education will be ongoing

This isn't simple.  Social media isn't all bad.  A child world is increasingly based around technology and social media.   You need to educate them as they grow in an age appropriate way.

Keep talking

Be part of their world. Let them share what is happening in their life, what they are doing and what friends are talking about.

Be a spy

We secretly check phones for messages and discreetly hang about when their talking to friends. We take the view that yes its snooping but its something we should do to protect them.

Involve schools and other parents

Keep schools informed. If these discussions are happening schools can educate and address them.  Same with other parents.  Strength in numbers.

Be open and willing to have a conversation with your children.

Just telling them they are wrong is unlikely to work. Don’t patronise them. Children grow up quickly and their childhood is very different to ours.

Show them the social media is unreliable.

There are plenty of fakes and falsehoods on social media to prove not everything they see and read is true.

The threat is real and now.

If there is one aim of this blog it is to repeat that the threat is real and happening now.

Don’t underestimate this or the impact this influence may have on your children's future life, relationships and happiness.  

Being a parent can be hard and scary.

We know we’re parents to. It’s ok not to have all the answers and not understand everything. Children are far more at ease with technology than their parents but as parents we have far more life experience and understanding. So despite our fears parents are equipped to guide and shield their children.

We formed the Parents Support Club and CosyChats.com To support and help parents by sharing our experience and knowledge. To be a support group to show you are not alone. Your concerns and anxiety are shared by other parents but together we can help each other through.

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