Results of an international study (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children - 2021/2022 survey) show that Maltese teenage boys and girls have become prey to top two predators, that is social media and gaming. The study further reveals that in Malta 8% of adolescents were non-active users of social media, 38% were active users, 36% were intense users and a staggering 18% were classified as problematic users. More girls than boys fell victim to problematic social media use.
An overkill in online friendship
Further to continuous online contact with close friends, 12% of Maltese teenagers are admittedly connected with other groups of friends, for instance friends they met online and other people who would otherwise be defined as perfect strangers, albeit that in today's digital jargon they would be classified as (online) friends. Of course, there are advantages to online friendships such as befriending youth from different countries, thus getting to know new cultures and way of life. A shy teenager might be more at ease approaching other people online.
However, one should be wary as to having online friends replacing real life friends. Educators attest that friendship, peer relations and classroom dynamics are ever more difficult to evaluate and to properly address. It is a growing phenomenon mostly caused by miscommunication, misunderstanding and excessive sharing on online social platforms. Indeed, certain online friendship issues negatively impact important teaching and learning strategies such as group work, peer correction and role plays. They also trigger unacceptable behaviours at school as well as undermine order and mutual respect.
A risk-seeking adventure for teenage boys
Maltese boys' tendency to frequently engage in digital gaming is worrying as 19% of the study's surveyed cohort were deemed to be at risk of problematic gaming. Educators have little to no control on their students' gaming habits since students engage in video games after school hours. It is nonetheless important for educators to be aware of signs of addiction and to effectively look out for them.
Talking about a particular game incessantly is one such sign. Other signs include difficulty concentrating on schoolwork and loss of interest in activities other than those related to gaming. Educators report cases of students neglecting their personal hygiene, of students feeling very sleepy, and at times simply falling asleep during class. Often, these behaviours are due to gaming addiction.
Whereas educators are not responsible for their students' online well-being, it is their responsibility to report suspected online addiction. It is equally the schools' responsibility to implement preventive strategies, to offer alternatives to the compulsive use of social media and to gaming addiction.
Parents' ordeal
Many parents or guardians feel overwhelmed as to guarding their teenage children against constant online risks, whether it be compulsive gaming, cyberbullying, phishing or identity theft. They are nevertheless advised to keep strong. It is important that they establish basic rules as soon as their children have access to mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Parents do have a right to know how their children are using their devices and children should acknowledge - rather than merely accept - that.
It is of paramount importance that parents set a good example as to a balanced use of technological devices, for instance they should avoid constantly reading and replying to emails and steer clear of over engaging chat groups. Parents need keep informed about helpful apps that monitor their teens online activity.
As students deal with the advantages and threats of the digital landscape, actions need to be concerted among all stakeholders. Moreover, stakeholders are highly encouraged to refer to the relevant national support services.
Marco Bonnici is President of the Malta Union of Teachers