Social Media and Online Safety

Social media is a cultural phenomenon that influences lifestyle as well as our communication and social behavior. Social media spreads information faster than any other media. Social media can have a positive impact on our relationships. For example, allowing us to communicate and foster relationships while social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. It allows us to learn and access information faster than ever. Social media empowers businesses and allows individuals across the world to connect on common interests and ideologies.  

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Mobile Therapy Centers employs a wide variety of therapists who specialize in many different areas. Counselors are well-versed/trained to help teens deal with the negative impacts of social media. MTC believes supportive counseling services will help teens explore life challenges and learn lifelong skills that will improve their social and emotional development. 

It can also be a dangerous space when boundaries are violated, and safety is compromised. Social media can have negative impacts on social isolation, increased stress, cyberbullying, and addiction. Evidence suggests that excessive or problematic use of social media/internet impacts suicide risk. Regardless of your age, it is important to follow safety rules for social media engagement to protect yourself while you enjoy your time online. 

Safety tips for teens:  

Check your privacy settings 

Typically, when starting an account on social media platforms, the default privacy settings will be set to public viewing. Check your privacy settings on any social media network you use to limit the population viewing your posts. Check your followers list regularly to ensure you feel safe with the individuals viewing the information you are posting about (i.e. Your activities or whereabouts). It will be easier for predators to find prey in public profiles. Most social media networks include a “friends only” option. Your safety is directly related to the personal information you allow others to view. Limit contact information in your profile and posts including your phone number, address, and precise location. 

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Respond with caution  

One benefit of social media is that we are able to connect and form new relationships from afar. With this in mind, it is important to consider who we may be connecting with on the other side of the screen. Fake accounts are sometimes created for cyberbullying, spamming, or scamming. When a friend request comes in, use caution and be sure you know the individual before responding. Do not agree to meet anyone you do not know in real life unless you are in a public place with a trusted adult. 

Consider others 

Think about information you may be sharing online and how it may impact yourself or others if they are included before posting. Think to yourself: Would I want this posted about me? Although you can delete a post or photo, you can never permanently erase something that has been published on the internet. It’s necessary to consider how we are impacting our wellness and relationships before impulsively posting what we are thinking or feeling. Social media affects teens in various ways. Teen girls are more likely to gravitate toward the social communication aspect, using the platforms to express their emotions on social media and receive feedback from others. Teen boys tend to use social media to interact on lighter subjects such as entertainment and common interests.  

Avoid sharing your location over social media 

Avoid posting about your specific location or vacation spot until you have returned home. This will help keep you safe while you enjoy your vacation and keep you present with your friends and family in the moment. 

At Mobile Therapy Centers, our counselors provide a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental environment to help teens deal with personal struggles. Mental Health Counseling Services help develop skills needed for success in school, relationships and with family. 

Mobile Therapy Centers provides FREE screenings/consultations so why not take advantage of the opportunity to have your child seen by a professional and answer any questions you may have? To learn more, please visit our website and don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with one of our therapists. 

Mobile Therapy Centers is a Multidisciplinary Clinic specializing in ABA Therapy for Autism, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Pediatric Physical Therapy and Counseling. We see children at our clinics in Illinois and Tennessee, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family. 

Contact MTC for free screenings/consultations. We also provide Telehealth services. MTC accepts most commercial insurance. Contact us to learn more. 

SCHEDULE SERVICES AT MOBILE THERAPY CENTERS OF AMERICA

If you have any questions regarding our services, please call us at 800-977-9072 to schedule a FREE consultation/screening

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Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!