Social networking sites affect children's self-esteem
An article over at the Guardian website highlights how children can be affected by using social networking sites such as Facebook.
Children see their profile on such sites as ‘advertising’ for themselves, aiming to get as many friends as possible, rather than a few close friends. The child’s self-esteem may be affected by comments from others, and those who already suffered from low self-esteem were more likely to use social networking sites to try and boost it, rarely with successful results.
A recent study of 21 year-olds showed that, in those that were prone to loneliness, talking online could often result in them feeling more lonely than those doing other activities, including sitting by themselves or talking face-to-face.
Parents are being encouraged to talk with their children about their use of social networking sites, particularly if they feel their child is struggling with self-esteem and loneliness.
