When you hear about minors being active on social media, the first thing that you might think about is how detrimental it can be for them. However, there are actually ways that these platforms can be good for them, provided that they have the appropriate supervision and guidance.
A Sense of Community
Being in school allows a child or a teenager to find like-minded people, which can make them feel like they are part of a community that can understand them. The same can be achieved with social media, and they can do so on a much larger scale.
Depending on the circumstances, there are even times when the kind of support they need can only be found through forums online. It is through social media that they can also discover topics that would resonate with them.
There are many cases where people have found others online who understand what they are going through, letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles. It's important for them to have a safe space where they can discuss potential mental health struggles.
Thanks to the convenience of disseminating information through social networking platforms, people are using them to spread awareness about certain causes. This could be a learning opportunity for them and a way to find something they want to be a part of.
Social Interactions
Seeing posts and being part of groups online might not be enough. Socializing with people is an important part of a person's growth. Without the risk of a minor going outside and meeting people on their own, they can do so in the safety of their homes.
Social media can also be crucial to staying in touch with people they already know. Perhaps with a family member that lives far from them or friends that they want to talk to even after school. There are countless messaging apps that can achieve that.
Plus, it encourages collaboration. Instead of staying after hours in school, students can go home and contact their group members through video conference apps or messaging apps, coordinating the current activities they have.
Exploration and Knowledge
Since social media functions online, they have access to all the knowledge it has to offer. It can serve as a gateway to educational resources that they might not find on their own, which would encourage them to learn more than what they find in textbooks.
Being exposed to social media at an early age could also help them learn about navigating the platforms, which can come in handy later on given that social networking sites are becoming more widely used, even being part of several aspects of life like business.
Through apps and sites, they can also explore creative expressions from other people, which can inspire them to share their own ideas. There are so many groups that are dedicated to several forms and kinds of art, most of which are supportive of works that are presented to them, which can build confidence.
