Digital safety on social media for young people
- Cyberpeace Tech
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
The use of digital platforms has become an essential part of the lives of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15. Although they represent a space for expression and socialization, they also pose risks that parents and teachers must consider in order to protect digital safety on social media.
Experts in education and psychology agree that these platforms can be both a learning opportunity and a scenario that exposes young people to vulnerabilities.
In Mexico, where the use of mobile devices is starting at an increasingly early age, this issue must be analyzed more closely to avoid emotional and cybersecurity consequences.
Risks of excessive use
Teens, who spend much of their time online, face situations such as:
Cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
Disruptions to their sleep patterns and academic performance.
Influence of unrealistic stereotypes about beauty, consumption, and lifestyle.
Possible cases of grooming, where adults try to gain the trust of minors to obtain private information or images.
In many Mexican households, access to a personal device is given at increasingly younger ages, which increases the challenge for parents and educators seeking to balance digital life with family and school life.
Social media and digital addiction
Social media platforms are designed to hold users' attention through immediate stimuli such as likes and comments.
These generate a feeling of reward that, in adolescence, can turn into emotional dependence.
The release of dopamine after receiving digital interactions causes young people to constantly seek approval, which can affect their self-esteem and how they relate to others. This phenomenon is not exclusive to other countries; it also applies in Mexico, where adolescents are part of a generation that lives practically connected.
How can emotional and digital security be strengthened?
To reduce risks, specialists recommend:
Fostering emotional intelligence: Teaching them that their value does not depend on reactions on social media.
Maintaining open communication: Talking about digital dangers and clarifying doubts without judgment.
Setting clear limits: Supervising schedules and platforms without resorting to total prohibition.
Promoting offline interaction: Balancing time on social media with family and social activities.
The key is to accompany teenagers rather than prohibiting them from using technology, guiding them toward safer and more responsible consumption.
Digital safety on social media: A shared responsibility
In an increasingly digital world, teenagers need constant guidance. Digital safety on social media should be seen not only as a technological measure, but also as emotional and educational support. In Mexico, this responsibility is shared between parents, teachers, and society in general so that young people can enjoy the benefits of these platforms without being exposed to their risks.
At Cyberpeace, we believe that digital safety on social media begins with prevention and education. Accompanying teenagers in their digital lives is key to protecting their well-being and avoiding online risks. Want more tips on cybersecurity and digital protection? Follow us on our social media channels and stay informed.
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