Mediaboss Marketing

Uchenna Innocent | credits: File copy

We leave in a world where everything seems to be looking forward to the Internet for interactions, networking, learning, and business, among others. The teens are not out of the trend as the Internet connectivity through smart phones, tablets and Personal Computers have become a part of their lifestyle and daily lives.

The number of young adults, who spend quality time online, continues to be on the increase, hence the need to educate our young ones on the use of the Internet. Therefore, the teaching of social networking etiquette should be a priority, as is with sex education and computer literacy.

It is an unquestionable reality that we are in the digital age, and it is no surprise that most teens operate and familiarise themselves with gadgets faster than most adults do. This, in itself, is not bad, but we all do know there are two sides to a coin. A teens activity on the Internet could be either of a positive or of a negative end, and it all depends on its usage.

Statistics from socialbakers.com shows the age distribution of social media users in Nigeria (Sept. 2013);

There are quite a number of things the Internet could be used for which has both positive and negative sides to it, but with the right orientation the Internet cum social media could be put to a more productive use. I will be mentioning just a few which are;

There are still a number of precautions that could be taken to limit the vices, through a conscious effort by parent/ guardians and the teens alike.

Guide to using the Internet/Social Media

Parental Advice

Before your children attain teenage or young adulthood you owe them the responsibility of forming a bond with them, a relationship that makes them see you as a very important part of their lives; not just as a provider for their basic needs, but as a key part of their spiritual and social lives. In search of feeling in the void of a parental hollow, most teens turn to social networking and the Internet.

Read more:
A teens guide to social networking