Guiding Safe Social Media Use for Youth

Mar 5, 2025

Using Social Media Safely

Introduction

  • Published by: NSW Government
  • Date: October 20, 2023
  • Focus: Guide for parents and carers on helping young people use social media responsibly and safely.

Benefits of Social Media

  • Learning and Skills Development:
    • Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving.
    • Prepares children for future jobs focusing more on interaction and problem-solving rather than routine tasks.
  • Social Skills and Connectivity:
    • Helps in building social skills and staying connected.
    • Develops digital navigation, responsible interaction, and online identity.

Building Digital Skills

  • Essential due to technological advancements in AI and mixed reality.
  • Digital skills required for future job markets.

Learning Enhancement

  • Social media provides vast access to information and learning resources.
  • Facilitates learning through articles, discussions, and expert interactions.

Social Engagement

  • Offers exposure to diverse groups and perspectives.
  • Provides a sense of community, support, and acceptance.

Critical Thinking Development

  • Necessary to evaluate the reliability of online information.
  • Encourages questioning of the authenticity of content.

Identity Development

  • Online presence is an extension of self-identity for young people.
  • Encourages exploration of interests and self.

Safety Tips for Using Social Media

  1. Check and manage privacy settings.
  2. Be cautious about the amount and type of information shared.
  3. Avoid engaging in surveys and competitions.
  4. Disable location services to protect privacy.

Social Media and Body Image

  • Impact on Body Image:
    • The role of social media in shaping body image perceptions.
    • Research by Butterfly Foundation on the association with body image issues.

Related Information

  • Resources for using social media as a teaching tool and understanding digital citizenship.
  • Guidance for determining readiness for social media and managing online interactions.

Resources for Parents and Carers

  • Guides on managing screen time, cyberbullying, and safe online behavior.
  • Information on creating a safe online environment for children.

Promotes the importance of digital citizenship and safe practices in social media use for young audiences.