23 March 2022
# Social media is an important part of most teenagers’ social lives and they spend many hours on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. It can be a fun way to connect with friends, share content and pursue interests, but there are also many risks. The Marketing Manager of IT security company ESET, Kelly Payne, says there are 10 million Instagram users in South Africa and most of them are teenagers:
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She says parents should know which platforms their kids spend their time on, what they’re doing on them and why.
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Payne says there are practical steps parents can take to help their teens use social media responsibly.
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She says by making a few simple changes to devices and accounts you can help protect your child’s digital privacy.
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Instagram last year introduced the feature Hidden Words and Payne says it’s a great tool to hide offensive comments and message requests you want to avoid.
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Payne says ultimately protecting young people from the dangers of social media and their own behaviour should start with open and honest conversations:
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