Social communication is quickly becoming the number one way young people connect with one another these days (most have Facebook and Twitter accounts). In most cases, the pictures and messages posted are fun (and safe), and provide instant communication amongst friends. Unfortunately, because of the ease and immediacy of social communication, some young people cross the line and post racy and illegal messages and pictures (AHPS).
Student athletes today are especially at-risk when it comes to social communication, as recently witnessed with the story that broke in Massachusetts. Problems like the one in Massachusetts are popping up at countless schools and youth leagues across America, and school and league administrators are finding themselves more involved as a result. Of course, parents and coaches are also involved, as are other kids who are unknowingly revealed on the internet.
Instant communication has obvious benefits, but it also allows for spontaneous actions and irreversible decisions. For student athletes, poorly thought decisions around internet postings can lead to sport/school suspensions, arrests, and even missed future opportunities (like a college athletic scholarship). It is for these reasons that we need to continue to educate kids about the serious negative consequences that can occur based on their spontaneous decisions using the internet.
Take time out this weekend to talk to your kids about Facebook, Twitter, and any of the other social communication applications your kids may be using. In fact, it may be worthwhile for you to comb through your kid’s pages with him or her so that you can process what content is safe, versus other content that may be viewed as inappropriate. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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