How do social workers reach young people in social media?

  

 

 How do social workers reach young people in social media?

Firstly, let's talk about How can the social professional /educator reach the young target group?

Social professionals and educators can reach 13 - 25 - year - olds in several ways. On social media, they should create engaging content. This could mean sharing useful info like mental health tips on Instagram or real - life success stories on TikTok. Responding to comments and hosting live sessions also boost engagement.

In terms of technology, recommend educational apps like Duolingo for language learning and use communication apps to form private discussion groups. Virtual learning platforms such as Zoom can be used for workshops.
Community connections are key too. Partner with local youth centers for events, or schools for after - school programs. Participate in local festivals with info booths and organize volunteer activities like community clean - ups. These efforts help reach young people where they are and engage them effectively.

 

Solid examples,

 

Instagram-Laakari.Atte: As mentioned, Laakari.Atte is a doctor who uses his Instagram profile to fight against substance abuse and addictions among young people. He posts educational content about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, often accompanied by infographics or personal stories from his patients. He also does live Q&A sessions where young people can ask him questions anonymously. This direct interaction with a medical professional makes the information more accessible and trustworthy for the target group. Another example is organizations like "Musiikki ja Äly" (Music and Mind) in Finland. They use Instagram to share stories of young people who have overcome mental health issues through music therapy. They post pictures and videos of music therapy sessions, testimonials from participants, and information about upcoming events and workshops. This helps to destigmatize mental health problems and shows young people that there are effective ways to cope.

 

YouTube-Kaltio: In the Finnish context, Kaltio is an organization that works with young people. Their YouTube channel features videos about youth culture, social issues, and activities they organize. They might have videos of workshops on topics like digital skills, where young people can learn about coding or graphic design. These videos not only teach valuable skills but also create a sense of belonging and engagement among the young audience.

 

Things I would do to decrease bullying

Education and Awareness: Develop educational materials that explain what bullying is, its different forms, and the impact it has on victims. Conduct workshops in schools and community centers to teach young people about empathy and respect.

Promote Reporting: Encourage a culture where victims and witnesses feel safe to report bullying incidents. Set up anonymous reporting channels and ensure that reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Parental Involvement: Educate parents about the signs of bullying and how they can support their children. Organize parent - teacher meetings to discuss strategies for preventing bullying at home and at school.

 

     Platform I would like to us

      Social Media Platforms I might use: Use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share  short videos, infographics, and stories that raise awareness about bullying. Run campaigns with hashtags like #StopBullying to encourage sharing and engagement.