The Dark Side of Social Media: Why Schools Must Teach Digital Responsibility.

In today’s digital world, children and teenagers are more connected than ever before. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp have become an integral part of their daily lives. While these platforms offer opportunities for learning and communication, they also pose serious risks when not used responsibly. As a digital marketing intern, a former assistant professor, and most importantly, a parent, I strongly believe that educating children about the dangers of social media is as important as teaching them math or science.

The Tragic Case of Shahabas: When Social Media Turns Deadly

One of the most shocking recent incidents is the tragic murder of a young boy named Shahabas. His own friends, all under the age of 16, created a private Instagram group where they meticulously planned how to kill him. This horrifying crime shows how social media can be misused to spread hatred, incite violence, and even orchestrate real-world crimes. The fact that teenagers used a digital platform to plot such a heinous act is a wake-up call for all parents, educators, and authorities.

Is Social Media to Blame?

It is easy to point fingers at social media platforms, but the real problem lies in how they are used. While Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms provide space for socialization, entertainment, and even education, they can also become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, crime, and manipulation if children are left unguided.
Many parents provide smartphones to their children without setting proper boundaries or educating them about online dangers. As a result, kids freely explore content without understanding the risks. They might fall into the wrong hands, get exposed to harmful content, or, in extreme cases, become involved in criminal activities.

The Need for Digital Literacy in Schools

To prevent such incidents, digital literacy must be made a mandatory part of school curriculums. Children need to be taught:

• The risks of social media – including cyberbullying, privacy invasion, and online predators.
• How to identify and report suspicious activities – like threats, blackmail, or inappropriate messages.
• Responsible online behaviour – understanding what to share and what to keep private.
• The consequences of misusing social media – including legal actions and long-term psychological impacts.

Schools and parents must work together to ensure that children are not just tech-savvy but also digitally responsible.

Parental Supervision is Key

As parents, we cannot simply ban social media or technology from our children's lives. Instead, we must educate them, set boundaries, and monitor their online activities. Here’s what we can do:

• Have open conversations about social media risks and responsible usage.
• Set screen time limits and ensure children engage in offline activities.
• Use parental control apps to track their online behaviour without invading their privacy.
• Encourage real-world interactions so that children develop healthy social skills beyond screens.

Conclusion

The case of Shahabas is a heartbreaking reminder of how social media can be a double-edged sword. While it has the power to connect and inform, it can also be a tool for manipulation, crime, and tragedy if misused. As responsible adults—parents, teachers, and digital professionals—we must take proactive steps to educate the younger generation about the safe and ethical use of digital platforms. Because in today’s world, digital literacy is not just an option—it is a necessity.

 

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