Social Media and Its Implications for Family Upbringing of School-Aged Children in Early EducatioSocial Media and Its Implications for Family Upbringing of School-Aged Children in Early Educational Stagesnal Stages

Abstract

This study aims to present scientific insights into the most significant implications-both positive and negative- of social media on parental upbringing within the family context, particularly concerning children in the early stages of education. Social media, as a prominent element in daily social interactions, has become ubiquitous across all societal strata. It now plays an indispensable role not only in the lives of communities as a whole but also within the foundational unit of society- the family. Social media has emerged as a bridge connecting individuals and communities, serving as a platform for expressing ideas and engaging in various public and private dialogues. However, excessive use of social media has led to numerous advantages and disadvantages, particularly affecting the fundamental process of family upbringing. Parents increasingly rely on these virtual spaces to adopt parenting techniques, often disregarding the expertise of specialists in education, psychology, and sociology. These platforms have allowed anyone to share opinions and advice, which many parents follow without considering individual differences among children at various developmental stages. This reliance on social media has had a profound impact on the upbringing of school-aged children, influencing their academic achievement and hindering their learning processes, especially in the foundational stages of education. In this study, we aim to highlight the key positive contributions that social media has made to family upbringing while also addressing its most significant drawbacks, which have created obstacles and challenges that impede progress, ultimately leading to unhealthy developmental outcomes for children.