In middle school, people tend to become more social, and want to get to know each other. Social media can be a great way to do that, if you can do it right!

 Most social media requires you to be 13 to join, and it’s best to heed that warning. Don’t make social media until you’re 13! That limit is there to protect you. 

When you do make social media, be careful how you use it. Everything on the internet is permanent and things that were funny in 6th grade might not be funny in 11th, when you’re trying to get a job.

In addition, constant use of social media can becoming draining and bad for your health. It’s important to monitor how much you use social media. When on the internet, you are always at risk for cyber attacks and finding websites or applications that can harm your tech device. It’s important to be on alert and know what places are unsafe.

You can choose to be anyone you’d like on the internet. No one will know your true identity. This is known as anonymity. With anonymity, comes great power. Since no one will know who you are, you have the power to say anything you want. However, you should be careful of what you say! Your words can affect how someone does in the real world.

With that being said, there is something that everyone faces when they are on the internet- cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the act of constantly sending someone mean messages online. About 25 percent of young adults are harassed through their cellphones or their computer. (via Bullying Statistics)  And, believe it or not, some people can end up hurting themselves due to cyberbullying. In the worst case scenario, people end up in the hospital. When this happens, police will be contacted and look for the source of the victim’s pain. They will find the bully and deliver the appropriate consequences. This can be suspension,expulsion, or even juvenile hall. ​

Cyberbullying has become a serious crime over the years, and it isn’t good for anyone! We can prevent all these bad things from happening by being polite to others on the internet. This can be done by complementing other’s work, liking someone’s photo, and scrolling past all the negative comments! Let’s make a safe space for everyone on the internet!  

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