Young People’s Engagement with Social Media: The Case for Developing Adult Digital Literacy
With recent discussions about potential harms of Instagram, particularly for teenagers, we revisit this 2019 post highlighting the need for relevant adults to become more digitally literate.
It is well
established that young people make extensive use of social media. In the UK,
83% of 12-15 year olds have a smartphone, 99% go online for over 20 hours per
week, and 69% have a social media profile.
It is certainly apparent that social
media is a key resource in the lives of contemporary young people and
is a central space for the development of identities and relationships, as well
as emotional regulation, self-expression, learning and much more. At the same
time, many adults find young people’s uses of social media concerning. The
dominant narratives that surround young people and social media tend to be
associated with risk, and the potential for negative impacts, in
areas including body
image and body dissatisfaction.
The key
challenge is that the contemporary
digital world differs greatly to the childhood experiences of most adults,
and this has inevitably created difficulties for the ways in which policy
makers, schools, health and education professionals/practitioners, and parents
and carers tend to frame and approach the types of support that they attempt to
provide for young people. Many adults report that they are ill-equipped to make
informed decisions about how to engage with young people’s digital worlds.
Equally, many young people report that their teachers or parents rarely provide
support and guidance that is relevant to the dynamic ways in which they use
social media. These points suggest that relevant adults – including teachers,
parents and clinicians - require
access to the latest evidence-based guidance to help protect young people
from risk, and to embrace the limitless opportunities on offer.
The need
for adults to support and guide young people’s uses of social media has
received significant attention in the media and in policy in recent months. The
CMO-England,
the Children’s
Commissioner, The
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Science
and Technology Committee, the APPG
on Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health and the recent Online
Harms White Paper have all recently stressed that young people must
be better supported to engage with social media safely, responsibly and
effectively. Much of the discussion has centred around social media sites
themselves, calling for better regulation and monitoring. At the same time,
schools and parents/guardians have been urged to ensure young people remain
healthy and safe online.
Yet the evidence-base and advice surrounding young people and social media is sparse and contradictory, with concerns recently raised about the scientific quality of current research and whether the existing evidence-base is robust enough to inform policy and practice. Certainly, responses such as the recent knee-jerk bans on time spent on social media and its content could actually be harmful for young people, particularly if social media is space for young people to learn, seek understanding and support.
Yet the evidence-base and advice surrounding young people and social media is sparse and contradictory, with concerns recently raised about the scientific quality of current research and whether the existing evidence-base is robust enough to inform policy and practice. Certainly, responses such as the recent knee-jerk bans on time spent on social media and its content could actually be harmful for young people, particularly if social media is space for young people to learn, seek understanding and support.
In our
research in the School of
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham
we have been working with young people (n=1300+; age 13-18) across the UK to
better understand how they use social media in relation to their health, and to
understand, from their perspectives, how they can be better supported to engage
with social media. The key message from this research is that:
Social media is
a very powerful educative health resource that has considerable significance in
the lives of young people. Most young people experience positive impacts and
are critically aware users and generators of social media. While the
health-related risks of social media should not be excluded, adults must focus
on supporting young people to engage with social media so that they can realise
more of the positive impacts on their health and wellbeing. The health-related
risks of social media should not be ignored, but an action for adults is to
become suitably digital literate so that they can promote positive outcomes and
offer support to young people at times of vulnerability.
Notably,
while much of the discussion in media and in policy has been around developing
young people’s skills to participate in social media safely, the young people
we worked with identified that adults’ skills, knowledge and understanding of
social media must be improved. Very clear gaps were identified between young
people's and adults' understanding and experiences of social media. The young
people reported that adults need to be better informed about the problems of
the current generation, and be more understanding of the positive impacts as
well as the risks. As a result, we co-created with young people digital animated videos and key
guidelines for adults – and these can be accessed here
and used as training or learning resources.
The
important point to make is that social media is a very dynamic environment
where young
people’s physical, social and emotional needs can change rapidly—particularly
through adolescence—and negative impacts can escalate quickly as a result of
the power of the medium and its content. The challenge for relevant adults who
wish to offer support and guidance to young people is to know when young people
are in control of social media, and when it shifts into controlling them.
Therefore, a key and essential step is to focus on adult digital literacy:
Digital literacy
support for adults should aim to help adults to critically evaluate the
relevance of health-related information for their own and young people’s lives,
as well as developing the digital skills to navigate social media sites so they
can understand and offer appropriate support to young people
Further Information
For
further information about the study and to access the guidelines, videos and
academic paper, please click here.
Victoria Goodyear is
a Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy in Sport, Physical Activity and Health at the University
of Birmingham, UK. Her research focuses on role of digital technologies and
social media in young people’s health and wellbeing, and the operation of
pedagogy in digital/online contexts. She is also interested in digital ethics,
participatory digital methods and knowledge translation via digital animated
videos.
Key References
Goodyear,
V.A., & Armour, K.M. (2019). Young People, Social Media and Health. London:
Routledge
Goodyear,
V.A., Armour, K.M., & Wood, H. (2018). Young people’s engagement with
health-related social media: new perspectives. Sport, Education & Society,
iFirst.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGive us 5 minutes, and we'll catch you up on the news you need to know
ReplyDeleteVải vỏ hàu
Vải cotton
Vải crepe
Vải bamboo
Vải viscose
Vải modal
that's really cool like it thanks
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful writing this is. I appreciate your talent. Are you wanted to discuss the Improvement of your skin and mind contact us?Full Body Massage in Indiranagar
ReplyDeleteNice Post!!
ReplyDeletePlease look here at Hair Loss Treatment in Nagarbhavi
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNước hoa chính hãng
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePlease look here at My Health Centre Point
ReplyDeleteGOOD INFIRMATION HERE IN THIS BLOG please look here at Skin treatments in Delhi
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this wonderful information
ReplyDeleteTop 5 Best Face Mask in India
Your blog is worth reading. Kindly visit my blog as well. Breast Surgery in Islamabad
ReplyDeleteI am really grateful that I found this. Also Know Best Hydrafacial In Islamabad
ReplyDeletePLEASE DON'T DIE IN SILENCE
ReplyDeleteLiving with a virus for eternity is you need to sit down and think. There is a cure for any type of virus and diseases. So why listen to people who will discourage you and not give you cure. . Now there is A safe and effective treatment that offers a 100% cure to any virus and other infections. For more information content
DrJeremiahAbalaka@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteParty Makeup
/ Party Looks & Hairstyles
Get Signature Party Makeup , Stunning Makeup & Gorgeous Hairstyles By Zara Asian Party Makeup Artist London
Party Makeup | Party Looks & Hairstyles Get Signature Party Makeup, Stunning Looks & Gorgeous Hairstyles by The Zara, The Asian Party Makeup Artist in London
ReplyDeleteAsian Bridal Looks / Real Brides
ReplyDeleteBy Professional Asian Bridal Makeup Artist London
Thanks For Sharing Infomative Article! If you are looking for Toll Free Number for your Busines then your search ends there. you can directly contact CloudShope Technologies at 9649643643.
ReplyDeleteIn today's digital age, young people's engagement with social media is undeniable. It has become an integral part of their lives, influencing their social interactions, self-expression, and even shaping their worldview. Affordable Dissertation Writing Services
ReplyDeleteI read this post your post so nice and very informative post thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDelete"BÍ QUYẾT CHĂM SÓC DA TỪ TRÁI DỪA TƯƠI
"
Awesome Detailed Blog
ReplyDeleteTry Reaching Out To Us Rhinoplasty in islamabad
i liked your blog...bts members
ReplyDeleteits all upto you if you use your social media for learning or just scroll down your screen and wasting time over there Buy Amazon products in Pakistan
ReplyDeletepore minimizer serum in pakistan
imported waterproof mascara price in pakistan social media has very deep impact on new Genration so the authorities shouls take steps to make it wortht with skilling contnet
Very instructive blog. You can click this link if you want radiant skin or if you are experiencing any problems. top skin specialist in delhi
ReplyDeleteSilk Berry's Mango Tango body wash is a tropical dream! The fragrance is so invigorating, and it leaves my skin feeling so refreshed. Obsessed!
ReplyDeleteTry Reaching Out To Us Botox In Islamabad
ReplyDeleteAwesome Detailed Blog Click here: http://glowtoday.store/
ReplyDeleteAwesome Detailed Blog Click here: sĩ lẻ quần áo
ReplyDeleteI am really grateful that I found this
ReplyDeleteI was looking for this topic and I am really grateful that I found this. Try Reaching Out To Us Liposuction In Islamabad
ReplyDeletevery informative article you are providing us.kindly check my blog as well Botox Injection Price in Islamabad
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this informative information. Unlock a radiant transformation at Lifestyle's MedSpa in Warrenton, where expert Botox service warrenton redefine beauty. Our skilled team employs state-of-the-art techniques, erasing fine lines and wrinkles with precision. Offering personalized care, we assure a uniquely tailored rejuvenation. Choose Lifestyle's MedSpa for Botox mastery, where every treatment is a step toward a more youthful allure. Embrace confidence effortlessly – schedule your appointment today and embrace the brilliance of Botox at Warrenton's premier MedSpa.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. If you are looking custom web app development, visit our website today.
ReplyDeleteDiscover 52 Sundaze, your go-to for all-day sun care. Explore our premium SPF lineup, including the world's first Rose Water SPF50 Mist that's Perfect for Reapplication. Embrace skincare that's easy, effective, and designed for everyday glow. Your perfect SPF awaits – because, we're all about sun care, done right.
ReplyDelete52 Sundaze: SPF Made Simple | Vegan Skincare Sunscreens
Consider Yourself Laser Hair Removal in islamabad
ReplyDeleteBuy Nimbarka Neem skin care products enhance your beauty with nature’s finest ingredients. Achieve a flawless complexion effortlessly. Neem products enhance your beauty with nature’s finest ingredients. Achieve a flawless complexion effortlessly. Incorporate Neem into your daily beauty routine. Cleanse, treat, and moisturize for stunning results. Experience the beauty benefits of Neem. From reducing blemishes to improving skin texture, Neem does it all. Our Nimbarka Neem products are free from harsh chemicals. Pure, natural beauty care for healthy, beautiful skin. Unlock radiant skin care products. Natural, effective, and gentle for all skin types.
ReplyDeleteThe Monsha's Academy offers an experienced Hydrafacial treatment that will leave your skin shining and revitalized. Our revoBeauty Parlour Training exfoliates and moisturizes your skin, leaving it smoother and brighter than before. Located in the heart of Preston, our trained team provides a personalized and elegant service.
ReplyDelete