EDUCATION
Social Media and Sex
Focusing on education instead of fear
Social media is a part of young people’s lives. In some ways, it’s like sex: Both topics are often awkwardly addressed by adults who sometimes resort to blanket bans instead of open dialogue.
But just as abstinence-only approaches to sex fail, banning social media doesn’t work either. What young people need isn’t prohibition. They need education, thoughtful guidance and honest conversations. They need us to teach them how to navigate these spaces responsibly, not pretend they don’t exist.
Why banning doesn’t work
History has shown us time and again that banning things rarely stops people from doing them. Think back to the prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th century, which didn’t stop people from drinking — it just pushed the activity underground, creating more problems than it solved. Similarly, abstinence-only sex education has consistently failed. Studies have shown that young people who lack comprehensive sex education are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
The same applies to social media. Attempts to ban young people from accessing platforms until a certain age may sound like a simple solution, but they overlook one key fact: young people are tech-savvy. They’ll find ways around restrictions, and when they do, they’ll be exploring these platforms without any guidance on how to stay safe or use them responsibly. The result? More harm, not less.
Education: A smarter approach
Instead of bans, we need to focus on education. Just as comprehensive sex education equips young people with the knowledge and tools to make safer choices, digital literacy can teach them how to navigate social media’s challenges. . This is a clear indicator that education works.
Tackling the Risks Head-On
Social media, like any powerful tool, comes with risks. But these risks are manageable if young people are given the right support and knowledge.
- Mental health challenges: Social media often gets blamed for worsening mental health among teens, but the issue isn’t black and white. Platforms can amplify anxiety or body image issues, but they can also offer support communities and resources. Educating young people about setting boundaries, recognizing curated content, and seeking help when they need it can make all the difference.
- Cyberbullying: Around 59 percent of teens in the U.S. have experienced cyberbullying. Banning social media won’t eliminate bullying — it’ll just move it somewhere else. Education can empower young people to handle online harassment, whether they’re victims or bystanders, and encourage them to speak up when they see harmful behavior.
- Privacy and security: Many young people don’t understand how their personal data is collected and used. Teaching them about privacy settings, about how to recognize scams and how to protect their information can help them stay safe online.
Empowering the next generation
The goal here isn’t to scare young people away from social media. It’s to help them use it wisely. Empowerment comes from knowledge. When teens understand the tools they’re using, they’re better equipped to make smart decisions.
Finland provides a great example of this approach: the country teaches media literacy in schools, covering everything from analyzing news sources to understanding the impact of a digital footprint. The result? Finnish students are more discerning and confident in navigating the digital world.
Parents and communities play a key role
Education doesn’t stop at the classroom. Parents and caregivers need to step up as guides, not gatekeepers. That means having open conversations about social media. Instead of imposing rigid rules, parents can work with their kids to set boundaries, like screen time limits or content filters, while fostering trust and communication.
By focusing on education instead of fear, we can help the next generation harness the positive aspects of social media while staying aware of its pitfalls.
