(ThyBlackMan.com) Having a serious discussion about Social Media with teens is becoming just as important as talking to them about sex, drugs, finances, driving and potential involvement with law enforcement. Youth, teens and young adults cannot be given free rein on the Internet without training, counseling and realistically behavioral expectations because of the potential of harmful content that may have serious effects on the mental, emotional and even physical conditions of our children.
The Internet has grown in influence to where the content of people of all ages, backgrounds and genders are judged by the content they post, people will view the tweets, videos, pictures, Facebook posts and other content and make judgments on the type of person teens are. 
There may be influences that try to influence behaviors, alliances, and even change morals and values, involvement with gangs (foreign and domestic), extremist organizations (like ISSI), and pressure to Cyberbully and even involvement in Sexting. These dangers will have future consequences with teens seeking employment, entrance into higher education, military service and even establishing careers in the future. As I tell the youth I talk to “Social Media can be your best friend or worse enemy, when establishing your SWAG for careers and higher education.” William Jackson, M.Ed. Edward Waters College The workshop with Teen Leaders of America – Social Media Awareness workshop addressed teaching students of the positive and negative effects of Social Media; and educating those in attendance on how to use Social Media for Networking, Marketing and Brand development.
Having a serious and at times humorous discussion about #SocialMedia, students are being held accountable and responsible for their #SocialMedia content by future employers, schools, law enforcement if there is an indication of Bullying/Cyberbullying, Sexting and involvement in criminal activity. Teen Leaders of America program is held at Edward Waters College the oldest Historically Black College (HBCU) in Jacksonville, Florida. William Jackson is a instructor at EWC teaching Educational Technology with a component of Social Media and STEAM.
Teen Leaders of America was developed by Marcia Brown and more information about this engaging program can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.brown.376695?fref=ts to learn more about the Black Superheroes…
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
