A Letter from Chief Ron Dziezgowski
CHIEF RON DZIEZGOWSKI
The Hidden Dangers of Social Media for Children: What Every Parent Should Know
West Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Hello Jefferson Hills,
I hope that everyone survived the unusually frigid temperatures that our region experienced in January and February, and you are looking forward to the start of springtime and warmer temperatures. The purpose of my article this month is to promote social media safety and awareness for children and give parents some recommendations, so both can be better prepared to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. In a world increasingly dominated by phones and computers, social media has become a central part of many children’ s lives. While these platforms can provide opportunities for learning and connection, they also pose serious risks that parents must understand to keep their children safe. Parents play a critical role in guiding their children’ s social media use. Awareness and monitoring help parents set appropriate boundaries with their children, which supports healthy online behavior to both avoid a child being victimized or posting inappropriate content. The following information is meant to assist you and your child in your social media use.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content Children using social media are only a few clicks away from content that is violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise unsuitable for their age. Even with filters and age restrictions, algorithms may still expose them to harmful material. The Jefferson Hills Police Department( JHPD) recommends that parents regularly review privacy settings and consider using parental control tools to limit what their children can see for their protection.
Cyberbullying and Psychological Harm
Social media can amplify bullying, making it constant and inescapable. Cyberbullying often leads to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among young users. The JHPD encourages open communication, so your child feels comfortable reporting any online harassment. Monitoring interactions can also help detect early warning signs. Should your child fall victim to such activity, report it immediately to the appropriate agency and block the source or content.
Online Predators and Manipulation
Predators often use social media to exploit the vulnerability of children who may not yet understand the dangers of sharing personal information. Teach your child to never share private details, photos, or locations online— even with people they think they“ know.”
36 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Addiction and Impact on Mental Health
The“ like” culture of social media feeds into a cycle of validation and comparison. Children may become obsessed with approval, leading to poor mental health and decreased real-world social skills. Over the last decade, Yale Medicine reports, increasing evidence has identified the potential negative impact of social media on adolescents.“ According to a research study of American Teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms.” i Parents should endeavor to set screen time limits and encourage offline hobbies that build confidence in healthier ways.
Privacy and Data Risks
Many children unknowingly give away personal data that can be used for targeted ads or even identity theft. Discuss the importance of privacy and show your child how to keep their accounts secure.
Practical Tips for Parents
• Set clear boundaries on which platforms your child can use and limit screen time
• Keep devices in shared areas of the home
• Stay informed about current apps and online trends
• Model good digital behavior yourself
• Have regular, non-judgmental conversations about online experiences
Final Thoughts
Social media and technology are not inherently bad, but for young children, it can be a dangerous landscape to navigate without proper guidance. By staying proactive, informed, and involved, parents can help their kids enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected from its hidden hazards. Safety in the use of social media is a shared responsibility and open communication between both parents and children is paramount to prevent any negative activity. Should you or your child fall victim to the use of social media, please report it immediately to the JHPD or your local police department where it can be documented and investigated to prevent further harm.
Thank you and God Bless!
Chief Ron Dziezgowski
i Kathy Katella, How Social Media Affects Your Teen’ s Mental Health: A Parent’ s Guide, June 17, 2024( How Social Media Affects Your Teen’ s Mental Health: A Parent’ s Guide | News | Yale Medicine
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