Guiding Teens Through the Digital Noise
Guiding Teens Through the Digital Noise
by Dean of Engagement and Wellbeing, Ms Vanessa Bell
The tween and teen years are a highly formative stage of life, when young people begin to consider who they are, what they value and who they hope to become. In the past, these questions were largely shaped by family, extended family, teachers, coaches, inspirational figures and role models. While these influences remain important, the digital age has added a complex new dimension to each young person’s search for identity.
Youth advocate and guest presenter, Daniel Principe recently worked with both our parents and several year levels to explore the complex world behind screens which can offer confusing, dangerous and harmful messaging to our children. It is vital that students critically examine and evaluate content, rather than passively absorbing the messaging. Having regular conversations with your teen to do a pulse-check on what is on their minds and radar is essential.
Teenagers are not only absorbing messages from the internet and social media; they are also increasingly aware of the economic pressures around them, including concerns about entering the housing market. While we want young people to be informed about local, national and global issues, these concerns can also leave them vulnerable to scams and get-rich-quick schemes. A conversation with your son about financial aspirations, home ownership and the value of steady, proven pathways may help protect him from flawed business models promoted by opportunistic voices.
In addition to influencers who promote dangerous practices to get “jacked”, including trends such as “looksmaxxing” and the shift from “softmaxxing” to “hardmaxxing”, teens are also exposed to constant messaging about wealth, dominance, “mogging” and distorted ideas of masculinity. Another concerning trend is the increase of advertisements for peptides rolling through social media feeds. Some clips featuring a ceremonial unwrapping akin to that of opening a birthday present, only to reveal little vials of hope filled with who knows what. It appears to be extremely easy to purchase these injectables and are another trend that some our boys are talking about. As a Four Corners report, ‘The Race to Reverse Aging’ revealed, the concern is that this is not a regulated market and consumers have no idea exactly what the vials contain. Young people can be easily influenced and misled by tricky marketing strategies with promises of an easy transformation, but the health risks associated can be very dangerous.
Keeping up with popular culture, online terminology and the influences shaping young people can feel like yet another task on a busy parent’s list. However, there are many professionals who can help. Dr Billy Garvey, a developmental paediatrician, offers practical guidance through his website, Guiding Growing Minds, and his podcast, Pop Culture Parenting. Other useful parenting podcasts include Parental As Anything with Maggie Dent and Happy Families with Dr Justin Coulson.
By staying informed, asking questions and maintaining open conversations, parents can help their sons navigate these influences with confidence, perspective and sound judgement.