By Allison Ortega Benites ’26
Nowadays, social media has become a huge influence in our world. Each year, new trends, memes, styles, and throwbacks capture users’ attention. Children today are more exposed to social media than ever before, raising concerns about bullying, distractions, and potential dangers.
One of the main reasons children have negative experiences with social media is that they often believe everything they see online applies to them, especially regarding appearance. Most children use social media for humor and entertainment, but they are also exposed to harmful content and people who may exploit them, which can have lasting effects. Christian Castellini ‘26 said, “When kids don’t meet expectations, they get looked down upon and can enter a depressive state.”
Teenagers and young adults have influenced trends in makeup and fashion, and children often try to follow these trends to fit in. However, not everyone likes the same styles, and social media can create constant pressure to conform. Young people, and anyone in general, should feel free to express themselves and their personalities, but social media often encourages harmful comparisons.
“Children are still growing and understanding the world,” said Genesis Alvarado ‘26. Kids are innocent and often cannot distinguish between what is real and fake. There have been many cases of children going missing after meeting strangers they encountered online. Alison Echeverria-Soto ‘26 explained, “Children won’t know what’s right or wrong. There are many predators in this world, and they can believe the person behind the screen is their same age.” Many of these cases occur in the United States. It is tragic that children, through no fault of their own, can be exposed to such risks simply because they have access to certain applications.
Hate and negativity also spread quickly online and can affect a child’s mindset. Even small negative interactions can have a big impact, as children are easily influenced in both positive and negative ways. Social media has contributed to serious mental health challenges, including depression and, in extreme cases, suicide. While there are some benefits, such as staying in touch with friends, finding inspiration, and reducing boredom, the risks often outweigh the positives for children.
Bullying has always been a problem in the U.S., and social media has created new avenues for cyberbullying. Children can become trapped in a cycle of harassment with little escape. Social media can be a useful tool when handled responsibly, but children are often too young to navigate platforms designed for adults. The next time you see your sibling, child, niece, nephew, or any young person on social media, remember the risks they face.
The Raider Press 