Solution

When it comes to social media, everything that happens online is determined by the individual. The only way to solve this problem is to reach out to teenagers and create awareness about the responsibility that comes with having one or more social media accounts. There is a variety of ways to spread awareness and communicate with kids and teenagers, such as presentations and guest speakers in schools, blogs and websites, and posts and tweets on social media itself.

Suren Ramasubbu wrote an article on the Influence of Social Media on Teenagers saying, "Risks of extensive social networking among youth are loss of privacy, sharing too much information, and disconnect from reality." What an individual posts on social media leaves a mark on his or her life. One inappropriate post can lead to limited job opportunities in the future because employers do not want someone who is portrayed as immature on the internet. Teens need to realize that there are things that they can do on social media right now that can help them in the future. The most important action that teenagers can do on social media is to watch what they post and help others do the same. Another similar solution is for parents or guardians monitor the child or teenager's activity on social media.

Another major issue that stands out in social media is cyber bullying. Although this is no new concern for society, attacking people through social media has become a trend due to improvements in technology and creations of new social media sites throughout recent years. A way to solve this issue is to use social media itself. Already being seen on websites such as Instagram,  advertisements not only promote various brands, but also topics such as anti-bullying. Another solution is texting. With many teenagers having access to a cell phone, texting is quick and easy. With establishments such as Cyberbully Hotline, PBIS, and Steps-to-Respect programs, there are programs that promote a comfortable, trusting environment, positive behaviors in schools and anonymous bullying reporting to solve cyber bullying problems. To anonymously report bullying, teenagers are able to text the Cyberbully Hotline and create a conversation with the receiver.

There is no real way to completely eliminate the problems occurring on social media, but we can significantly prevent and minimize the issues. That is the step to a safer environment on social media sites for generations to come.

For more on Suren Ramasubuu and the Influence of Social Media on Teenagers, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suren-ramasubbu/influence-of-social-media-on-teenagers_b_7427740.html
For more on Cyberbully Hotline, go to  http://www.cyberbullyhotline.com/10-01-12-edtech-digest.html