Social networking sites have become exceedingly popular in recent years. This increased popularity has caused concern among many parents about how these sites are affecting their children.
Parents are becoming aware of many disadvantages of social networking sites including their affect on a child's ability to concentrate. Constant online communication affects children, making it difficult for them to communicate and concentrate when away from the screen. It is, therefore, important for parents to monitor their children's online social interactions and place a time limit on how long they can spend on the computer.
Notable among the disadvantages of social networking sites is the presence of cyber bullying. Parents should monitor their children's online social interactions to prevent them from becoming victims of cyber bullying. Social networking can affect children negatively if they are inadvertently dragged into some sort of cyber bullying, which may lead to teen suicides.
Social networking affects children to the extent that social networks sometimes encourage interpersonal relations that are unrealistic. A child's online interactions with people who could influence them in a negative manner may expose them to quite serious threats and potential dangers.
Sometimes a child's online social interactions may not be appropriate. The luxury of hiding behind a screen where they are unknown gives them the opportunity to say anything. This freedom could result in fights or online bullying.
Despite their disadvantages, social networking sites have many advantages. Children may make some good friends online, become more aware of current affairs, and get career guidance. A child's online social interactions, if properly monitored, can be beneficial to their career and life.
Social networking affects communication among children, which can be both positive and negative. The disadvantages of social networking sites can be offset by having some kind of plan in place where parents can supervise their child’s Internet activities. Children should be educated about how online communication affects them and about the negative effects their online social interactions may have.