By Jack Hughes, President of Parent Tech Support
Social media harm to children is real, and the tragic story of Selena proves it. The dangers of social media are not theoretical. Real families are experiencing devastating consequences. Jack Hughes shares the story of Selena, whose life was tragically affected by social media, to illustrate why parents must take online safety seriously.
Selena’s Story: A Wake-Up Call for Parents
Selena’s story represents the real human cost of unchecked social media use among children and teenagers. Behind every statistic about social media harm is a real child and a real family. Her experience underscores the urgent need for parents to actively engage in their children’s online lives.
How Social Media Causes Harm
- Cyberbullying – Relentless harassment that follows children everywhere through their devices
- Comparison and self-worth – Curated content creates unrealistic standards that damage self-esteem
- Predatory behavior – Adults exploit social platforms to target vulnerable young people
- Addictive design – Algorithms maximize engagement at the expense of mental health
- Content exposure – Children encounter harmful content that they are not equipped to process
What Parents Must Do
- Know what platforms your child uses and understand how they work
- Have ongoing conversations about what your child experiences online
- Implement parental controls across all devices. See Jack’s guide on the ultimate parental controls strategy
- Watch for warning signs of online distress: withdrawal, mood changes, secrecy
- Create a safe reporting environment where children feel comfortable coming to you
Watch the Full Video
Jack shares this powerful story and provides guidance for parents who want to prevent similar tragedies.
Every Child Deserves Protection
Stories like Selena’s should motivate every parent to take action. Visit Parent Tech Support for resources and support.
For more on social media risks, read Jack’s articles on how social media hijacks childhood and sextortion and teen suicide.
