Social media is an amazing thing- it allows us to be connected in a split second with someone hundreds of miles away, or who you haven’t talked to since your high school reunion 10 years ago. It keeps us all connected and can be a great asset in many situations. However, many young people don’t realize how much of an impact their posts can make. When you are behind the screen of a phone or computer it is easy to bully or degrade someone without realizing the full effects of it. It is much easier to be uncharitable when you aren’t looking that person in the eye.
Along with the sad and damaging effects of bullying, a teen’s actions can have other lasting effects as well. Colleges and employers have begun looking at the social media profiles of potential employees. Something that seemed like a funny joke in high school could later prevent someone from getting into the college of their choice or getting a job.
Unfortunately, this fact has led to lawsuits and worse among the teens on social media, and those lawsuits often fall on their parents’ shoulders.
Though bodily injury and property liability are often covered under a homeowner’s or renter’s policy, special language must be added to cover liability associated with damaging someone’s reputation.
It is important to talk to your teen about acceptable use of social media. They must understand, for their own benefit and the safety of others, how their actions can affect those around them.
