UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AMONG CHILDREN AND POTENTIAL RISKS: A REVIEW STUDY

Authors

  • Sana Ali PhD Scholar, Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Saadia Anwar Pasha Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan.

Keywords:

Social Medias Usage, Parental Mediation, Online Risks, Well-being and Development, Children and New Media

Abstract

The advent of social media platforms and the widespread availability of smartphones have significantly affected children's digital engagement. However, alongside social media's numerous benefits and contributions, research also highlights concerns regarding children's online safety. This study is based on reviewing the literature to investigate social media use among children, associated risks, and parental mediation as a potential source of these risks. The reviewed literature revealed that social media use has become a part of children's everyday lives. However, this technology usage among children can lead to exposure to age-inappropriate content, which can have adverse psychological and physical impacts. The cited literature underlines the significant role of parental mediation, which involves parents providing guidance and supervision to ensure the healthy development of their children. Understanding the relationship between parental mediation and children's exposure to online threats is important for ensuring cybersecurity and promoting safer child development. It is concluded that parents should understand the various purposes of social media, remain aware of potential risks, implement effective parental mediation strategies, tailor approaches to individual children, and promote collaboration and digital literacy education. As central figures in children's lives, parents can play a pivotal role in supporting children to navigate the digital world of social media safely. Further, practical implications are discussed, and limitations are also highlighted.

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08 Eng Final PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS January March 2024 Vol 04 Issue 01 Citation Page

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Published

18-03-2024

How to Cite

Sana Ali, & Saadia Anwar Pasha. (2024). UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AMONG CHILDREN AND POTENTIAL RISKS: A REVIEW STUDY. PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic & Social Sciences), 4(01), 90–102. Retrieved from https://www.pakistanislamicus.com/index.php/home/article/view/103