Impact of Online Video on Teenagers

Online Video and Risk-Taking Behavior in Teens

The influence of online video on teenagers is undeniable. With the widespread use of smartphones and social media, the digital landscape has become a crucial aspect of adolescent life. This article will explore the relationship between online video and risk-taking behavior in teens, focusing on parental concerns, monitoring strategies, and how these factors shape teenagers' experiences.

Parental Concerns and Monitoring Strategies

Parents are generally concerned about their teenagers' online behavior, with some parents expressing significant worry about their children losing the ability to have in-person conversations, sharing too much about themselves online, being bullied online, or exchanging explicit messages. In response, parents take various actions to monitor and control their children's online activities. Some of these actions include checking which websites their teen visits or looking through their child's call logs and messages, setting screen time limits, and taking away digital privileges as punishment.

Mothers are more likely than fathers to regularly track their teen's online activities, including checking web history, cellphone records, and setting screen time limits. Despite some claims that digital monitoring may be associated with more affluent, highly educated parents, the data from Pew Research Center show little difference in these monitoring practices by household income or educational level.

Teens' Perspectives on Online Harassment and Bullying

A study conducted by Ofcom revealed that children aged 3 to 17, particularly those aged 16-17, are gravitating towards dramatic, short-form videos on social media that require minimal effort and focus. These videos often feature gossip, conflict, controversy, extreme challenges, and high stakes, often involving large sums of money. This content can contribute to a culture of rivalry and engagement, which may encourage risk-taking behavior in teens.

Online Video and Social Media Use

In addition to video chatting, teens engage in other video-related activities online. For example, 27% of internet-using teens 12-17 record and upload video to the internet, and 13% stream video live to the internet for others to watch. These behaviors can potentially expose teens to risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and privacy concerns.

Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy

To address the risks associated with online video and social media use, it is crucial for teenagers to develop digital citizenship skills. This includes understanding online hate speech, how much screen time is appropriate, and how to communicate with people who disagree with them. Teachers can incorporate quick video-discussion activities into their lessons to spark meaningful conversations about digital citizenship.

Conclusion

Online video has a significant impact on teenagers' lives, influencing their social interactions, media consumption, and risk-taking behavior. Parents play a crucial role in monitoring their children's online activities and guiding them in developing digital citizenship skills. By addressing concerns and fostering media literacy, we can help teenagers navigate the online world safely and responsibly.