Dr. Maureen Griffin, forensic psychologist wishes parents to be aware of the following issues that she has noted following her talk of 1st to 3rd year students:
- Technology in bedrooms.The majority of students in each group admitted using phones before getting out of bed in the morning. This has many negative consequences. Parents are advised to have a discussion with their teenager on limiting its availability overnight.
- Screen Time. The majority of students admitted to asking for WIFI passwords when they visit friends/family and the passwords are handed over. Parents should consider the social consequences of doing this. For many students there are simply no limits present when it comes to internet access.
- Location settings. The majority of students using snapchat have location turned on so they can use local filters. This is not safe if they have friends they do not know (which brings us on to the next point)
- Friends/Followers.The majority of students in each group admitted they had at least one friend or follower they did not know in person.
Parents should open a discussion with their son/daughter on these points so that any potential risk to emotional or physical wellbeing is prevented.
