Parents, Wake Up: Social Media Is Raising Your Children -By Bello Mulikat Onize

Now, parents are not paying so much attention to children, especially teenagers. The situation is deteriorating, and the recent discovery of a teenage girl with a pregnancy test is an alarm call. Previously, parents used to be involved and stern. Now, the majority of parents are too busy with work or mobile phones, leaving their children to learn from the internet and friends.

Social media is common nowadays, and it plays an important role in influencing how children behave and think. Kids turn to their phones for direction when parents are not around or busy. The internet is full of data, but information on the internet is not always helpful. Teenagers and girls especially learn everything about relationships, sex, and life from online strangers instead of parents.

Sadly, today, we see most young adults going viral on social media for the wrong reasons. Some of them are appearing naked in videos that are being leaked, and it is so shameful and painful. Even worse, some of them are now boldly displaying their nudity online by themselves. That is wicked, dangerous, and a clear sign that something is not right. These children are too young to understand how this can hurt their future, but they are exposed and embarrassed while their parents are either oblivious or too busy to notice the warning signs.

One of the great concerns is mothers losing touch with their daughters. Adolescent girls go through so much change and turmoil. They need their mothers more than ever. But when mothers are more concerned with keeping up appearances or stuck on their screens, their daughters learn to get through it on their own with sometimes costly outcomes.

In order to stop this from worsening, mothers must take back their position as guides and protectors. They must be able to speak with their daughters openly, listen without screaming or judging, and create a sanctuary for honest conversations. Girls need someone they can trust to fall back on not social media celebrities and rumor circles.

Mothers must teach their daughters about things that occur in day-to-day life like sex, relationships, peer pressure, and body image. If they don’t, someone else will do it and it might not be someone with the best of intentions. A mother must be a girl’s first teacher, friend, and role model.

Additionally, parents must be a good example. If you are stuck to your phone or checking gossip on the internet all day long, your child will be no different. Be a good example by being intelligent on the social media, treating other people kind, and making time with the family.

God gave you those children for a reason. Don’t let social media or strangers bring them up. Be present, be nice, and participate. Tomorrow is today, and the choices you take today will decide your child’s future. Don’t wait for “under your roof e don dey sup” before you wake up. If necessary, I am open to revisions to align with your editorial guidelines. Please let me know if you require any additional information.

Bello Mulikat Onize
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