Editorials and Personal Columns

Ideas for future Editorials:

1. Issues involving teachers that don't do their job
2. School parking traffic before and after school
3. Lack of funding for the school

One columnist I read/watch on a regular basis is Connor Franta. I continue to read/watch him on a regular basis because the content he produces is inspirational, thoughtful, and interesting. He writes about things I can relate to and he talks about things that help me with issues I have.


Opinions Piece on Social Media:

Social Media is being used by nearly fifty-nine percent of children by the age of ten. This has grown over the past few years. Less children should be introduced to technology and social media because I feel it's taking a toll on their minds, but they don't realize it.

When Social Media is introduced to a child's life early on, this can affect their ability to interact face-to-face and have an in-depth conversation. With Social Media acting as a mask, children lack the social development that is necessary for their life.

Along with the incapability to socialize in person, a child can establish a hate speech. A child who is exposed to Social Media sites has a higher chance of being introduced to discrimination. They are more likely to develop disrespectful behavior, especially if the child is part of a minority being discriminated against.

One of the main reasons why Social Media shouldn't be introduced to children at an early age is the issue of cyberbullying. A poll showed that twenty-one percent of children have posted negative comments starting from age eleven. Another twenty-six percent of children went on another's account and posted without permission. A child can be a victim of this common problem. They can feel insecure or lack confidence needed in life. This can require a long process to replenish what they have lost.

More than half of eight to sixteen year olds have ignored the age limits for Social Media sites, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Ask.fm. According to Dr. Richard Woolfson, child psychologist and Knowthenet spokesman, this is not only unsafe, but can expose a child to content, people and situations that they aren't comfortable with and prepared for. This can tamper with their mind and leave negative effects on their state of mind.

Not only is Social Media content inappropriate for children, they are also in danger of online grooming. Approximately forty-three percent of kids have confessed to messaging a stranger by the age of ten. It is growing increasingly common for pedophiles to make fake profile accounts in order to become friends with the kids. They can then gain access to personal information, such as their school or city, and use that information to hurt the child.

With that being said, Social Media can persuade children to easily give out personal information, which can lead to identity theft. They most likely don't have experience with internet safety, and a survey showed that twenty percent of children feel it is okay to share this sort of information.

People may argue that Social Media is good for a child's confidence and help them express themselves, but studies have found that a child can feel put down or judged by other accounts. Being at such a young age, that child can judge their success with how many followers they have gained or if they are being included in social topics.

Social Media is being used by young children all around the world, and it is harming the child's state of mind. The issue of insecurity and lack of safety will continue to grow if children join Social Media before they are prepared for the content.

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