One-half of middle- and high school students in a recent study admit to social media abuse — from bullying schoolmates to spreading rumors to pressuring others to send sexual texts or pictures. They also admitted to stalking their partners.
"It begins with the constant texting or the stalking on Facebook. 'Where are you?' and 'Who are you with?' " said researcher Poco Kernsmith, an associate professor of social work at Wayne State University.
What may seem like harmless teen jealousy can spiral into a dangerous relationship if left unchecked, said Kernsmith, whose research has centered on violence in relationships.
"It becomes 'I don't want you to hang out with your friends,' and 'I don't like the way you dress.' It becomes controlling and isolating."
Just 37% of the students said their parents monitored their online behavior. It's a disconnect that — maybe not surprising
Additionally, social media misuse was higher in wealthier districts — very likely the result of more kids owning cell phones and other technology. About 54% of youth in low-risk schools — relatively wealthier schools in low-crime areas — had perpetrated electronic abuse, while 46% of youth in high-risk schools had done so.
One student interviewed for the study described how her behavior would change if her mother might check her social networking: "I have a filthy mouth, and I write filthy things, so I would just monitor my mouth more, 'cause I know my mom would be all over me like hotcakes."
5 reminders for your kids
If you're opening that conversation with kids — or even offering reminders from earlier talks — about what's appropriate online and what's not, Wayne State University researcher Poco Kernsmith suggests these five points.
■Remember: Nothing is private online.
■Remember: Nothing online can be taken back.
■Be aware of pressure and coercion.
■Consider the reaction and feelings of others.
■Remember: Nothing is anonymous.
