Social Media and Children's Social Health

I'll admit, I'm not all that techno-savvy. I don't have a Blackberry, or laptop or even an Ipod (although I REALLY want one). It's not that I have a problem with any of our modern-day technologies... I don't. I guess I never really felt the need for it and was getting by just fine without them. Now with children of my own and a growing business, I'm starting to realize that the way we relate to others around us is changing in a very permanent way and that I have to get with the program, to a certain degree at least.

This train of thought naturally takes me to the topic of social media and how it will affect my children and their peers in the future. With all the ways we can and do communicate that doesn't require us to ever speak face-to-face with people, I wonder how this will change the social development of our future generation.

I can see how there could be many positive results. It's a tremendously exciting age that we live in. So many possibilities. For example, the very shy have new ways to reach out to others that can serve as a stepping stone to developing relationships. People can stay in touch with others, even old friends, through social networks like Facebook and Twitter. I know I have. There's also a vast selection of social support groups online that can help people feel better about themselves and their place in the world.

Then there are the negative side effects that I can foresee that could be huge problems for us parents. With young people increasingly relying on cell-phones & the internet to connect with their friends, I can see an increase in social anxieties and dysfunctions when it comes to knowing how to talk to people in person, particularly strangers or more formal encounters. There's a certain measure of confidence & acquired skill needed to carry on a physical conversation like; holding a steady gaze with another person, intently listening & propelling the conversation forward.  Plus, let's not forget the huge problem with online bullying and predatory behavior and how devastating that can all be.

Weighing out these potentialities makes me more determined to try and have my children involved in as many socially interactive activities as possible. I believe it's crucial to try and get them relating to others in healthy environments where they are physically present and developing their social skills while we still have a significant influence on their development. Before long, they'll be asking for cell phones and whatever new techno gadgets are in our future and their social lives will increasingly become their own.

That's another reason that I feel great being in the line of work that I'm in. The sense of community and socially diverse activities in each class are wonderful for both child and parent. I love seeing the delighted recognition on children's faces when they meet up with their fellow classmates each week. They know they're going to have a fun time together and I like to think that there are some truly long-lasting friendships that are being cultivated in my classroom. It's also a great exercise in social diversity. There are often all different walks of life and culture joining in a class together and it's nice for children to step outside their own circle of family and friends and meet new people.

Written by Rose, who takes comfort in knowing that nothing can ever replace the warm & fuzzy feeling a true smile and hug can bring. No emoticon could ever compare.....:)