(ThyBlackMan.com) Speaking to over 100 Duval County high school students participating in the Learn2Earn Experience at Jacksonville University, then with students at the Black Male Explorers Program at Edward Waters College and with the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department preparing for teens for summer employment. Discussing Social Media and Social Networking safety is very important because of the content that is created by teens and posted on interactive and dynamic platforms that can extend globally.
Social Networking is booming for youth and teens, it is on the rise because
of the integration of technology and its ease of use and potential abuse.
Content is important because of its ability to create an impression about
a person. Perceptions are important especially when accessing Social Media or Sm content. Youth should not be viewed as violent and destructive in online environments, but they are. Videos like are showing a dangerous side of youth and teens that will affect their futures in earning scholarships, internships, and employment.
Technology, an ever emerging tool, expands the reach of youth, teens and
young adults past the boundaries of neighborhoods and distances. Sharing
my experiences as a STEAM educator and knowledge as a teacher in
higher education and Social Media consultant, the over 100 teens in
attendance had great questions and concerns, all teens need to understand the power and engagement of their content. It does not take a technology degree, or a marketing degree (learning the basics is important) about the use of Social Media and Social Networking platforms. 
Empowerment comes from education and research.
The misconception for online use is joining every social network, making
thousands of friends, sharing personal information and gaining multiple contacts.
Managing personal access and implementation of resources is common sense and parents should teach their children that they (their children) do not have to be friends with everyone and share personal information with strangers.
Social Networks are designed to be “Social,” there are guidelines that should be established to keep everyone safe from predators and stalkers. Sites like Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo, and others are user generated content creators meaning that the content is created by the user. Sites like Twitter enablemicro-blogging using content that contains 140 characters or less. Each is powerful and allows for diverse connectivity with diverse audiences.
Youth and teens use can be questionable and harmful in multiple ways. Speaking to youth at the recent Prevent Crime In The Black Community;
content produced and posted never goes away and content can influence
relationships in multiple ways.
Speaking to the 200 teens present at the Prevent Crime In The Black Community conference, several areas were covered during my 90 minute presentation that was interactive and engaged the teens. Content is very important, content is king and Social Media changes the social paradigm of engagement; lecturing on the importance of content and creating a positive perception and positive presence online. At risk is the very delicate personal reputation and far-reaching perceptions that create a personality. High school students need to learn that having a online presence; social media digital footprint does not mean that everyone needs to know who you are, where you are and where you are going. SN / SM allows for peer collaboration on projects and services that teens would never have imagined only 5 years earlier.
Surveys by the Nielsen Company have showed through studies teens spent approx. 5 to 9 hours a day on social sites ranging from Facebook, Twitter, Vine, SnapChat, YouTube and others that are growing.
The resulting globalization of Social Networks and Social Media Platforms
are the most popular online category followed by youth and teens. Parents should be knowledgeable and set high expectations on their children’s
involvement and engagement online. Teens can be victimized by social media sites and their posted content. There is stalking, bullying, porn, sexting and other dangers that create questions for youth and teens about their safety online.
Education and being proactive is very important for parents. Parents should not have to see on Facebook, SnapChat, Vine, and others to see what their children are doing online. Parents should Google their teens to keep track of online content that can keep them from earning scholarships, internships, deny job opportunities and other opportunities that may be once in a lifetime opportunities.
The implementation of Social Media and Social Networks has changed the
rules of monitoring and managing electronic devices for parents. Programs like Learn2Earn Experience, Black Male Explorers, Upward Bound and other programs provide unique chances for youth and teens to learn about Social Media, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety. My Quest To Teach by William Jackson provides a seasoned educator that is a parent, elementaryand higher education educator, STEAM teacher and Social Media trainer, passionate to teach youth, teens, young adults and adults the importance of managing Social Media content.
Speaking at events like Prevent Crime In The Black Community are models for youth and the growing minority professionals that are role models in the community.
Preventing crime and equal education are paramount to improving communities. Parents should work with organizations that share information about challenges and resources to address serious issues
Community must be engaged, involved and active early to stop potential
situations that can lead to violence, harm, damaged reputations and destroyed futures from online content.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.