A Teen's Guide To Social Networking

We leave in a world where everything seems to be looking forward to
the Internet for interactions, networking, learning, and business,
among others. The teens are not out of the trend as the Internet
connectivity through smart phones, tablets and Personal Computers have
become a part of their lifestyle and daily lives.

The number of young adults, who spend quality time online, continues
to be on the increase, hence the need to educate our young ones on the
use of the Internet. Therefore, the teaching of social networking
etiquette should be a priority, as is with sex education and computer
literacy.

It is an unquestionable reality that we are in the digital age, and it
is no surprise that most teens operate and familiarise themselves with
gadgets faster than most adults do. This, in itself, is not bad, but
we all do know there are two sides to a coin. A teen's activity on the
Internet could be either of a positive or of a negative end, and it
all depends on its usage.

Statistics from socialbakers.com shows the age distribution of social
media users in Nigeria (Sept. 2013);

*.13-15 years make up two per cent

*.16-17 years make up five per cent

*.18-24 years make up 37 per cent

There are quite a number of things the Internet could be used for
which has both positive and negative sides to it, but with the right
orientation the Internet cum social media could be put to a more
productive use. I will be mentioning just a few which are;

*.Learning

*.Personal Branding/Image building

*.Networking

*.Income Generation/Money Making

There are still a number of precautions that could be taken to limit
the vices, through a conscious effort by parent/ guardians and the
teens alike.

Guide to using the Internet/Social Media

*.Do not use the Internet without an aim or direction or it will lead
you to where you should not be.

*.Do not click on pop-ups or flashes and be careful not to always
click on links; it almost never has what you need or look for.

*.Do not post or share sensitive images/pictures.

*.Be careful not to reveal your location and other private
information's like your phone contacts and emails, you could also
restrict your privacy settings from showing such details.

*.Do not accept people of a far older age group unless its someone you
really know or have taken time to go through the persons profile and
monitored if his/her activities online is not against your personal
believe, unless it is you sending the request.

*.Spend limited time online, so it does not affect your relationship
with the people you know in reality, like your family and friends.
Excessive time on the Internet more especially on social networks
could lead to a social syndrome among teens and young adults popularly
called Fear of Missing Out

*.Beware of the kind of groups and pages you 'like' or 'follow', some
are of particular religious sects, atheistic, immoral, or of a very
different world view, among others. This could change your believe and
the things you uphold. Believe me, the Internet/social media could be
the fastest way to be misled.

*.In a bid to make money online do not involve in online betting,
though it seems convenient and harmless, it still is not advisable for
a teen to go into such. It could be dangerous if it becomes a habit.

*.Do not make any form of payment or involve in any transaction
without seeking advice from a trusted adult no matter how attractive
the offer seems.

*.Do not visit adult or pornographic sites, one click and a few
minutes of attention could have an adverse effect on you for a
lifetime.

Parental Advice

Before your children attain teenage or young adulthood you owe them
the responsibility of forming a bond with them, a relationship that
makes them see you as a very important part of their lives; not just
as a provider for their basic needs, but as a key part of their
spiritual and social lives. In search of feeling in the void of a
parental hollow, most teens turn to social networking and the
Internet.

Let your teens know what you are protecting them from and its
repercussions so they can recognise and make choices.

As much as possible be their friends and follow them on the social
networking sites, it gives you an idea of their activities and how to
guide them.

However, do not stalk and refrain them from always commenting on their
posts or updates.

No matter what it is they put up on the social networks, do not openly
address the issue online, do it offline. You do not want to hurt their
ego; it would do more harm than good.