Are social networks works of envy?

This summer, a study by the British charity organisation Scope announced: «Social media makes two thirds of users jealous of the successes of others; in addition, many users think they spend too much time on the social web. However, they are unable to adjust their online presence.»
When applied to young people, statements such as these have a general tenor: the world with digital media is bad. But is that true? Because the fact is: children and young people compete with others. Especially during puberty, they put everything to the test. Friends play an increasingly important role in their lives. And they want to compete with their friends - in terms of looks, coolness, performance in sport or at school. Those who succeed boost their self-esteem and grow - perhaps even surpassing themselves. In the best case scenario, those who fail develop strategies for dealing with failure. Seen in this light, digital media is another area of competition - alongside the sports club, school or ski camp, for example.

Self-confidence helps

As parents, you have an important role to play during puberty. Encourage your teenager's self-confidence by trusting them to do things. For example, give them tasks that you previously preferred to do yourself. Praise your child when things go well - even if the pace and style don't quite meet your expectations! To make your teenager feel more comfortable in their own skin, you as parents should also listen carefully to what your child doesn't like about themselves. But also ask what they find beautiful, strong or unique about themselves. Focusing exclusively on the negative is not an option. Challenge your child to take a differentiated view of themselves and to emphasise their strengths in a positive way. How could they do this? Where and when? And how could they use their strengths online? At the same time, look together for ways to remedy a weakness. But also demand maturity from your teenager: encourage them to focus their attention on solutions. Do this again and again. Because developing healthy self-confidence takes time. However, if you as parents strengthen your child's self-confidence, they will also be better able to distance themselves online and stand up for themselves.

On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark