Family and social networks: Controversial binomial

Abstract

Social networks have great importance in the lives of adolescents and the involvement of their families is essential to take full advantage of the possibilities offered and stop the dangers that may arise. This study analyses, through a survey method, the opinions of 1144 secondary school students on parental mediation of access and use of social networks. After descriptive and non-parametric analysis, the results reveal that the minors start using social networks influenced by their group of friends, confirming the lack of family control measures of the use of this type of tool. Likewise, access and time of connection to social networks are linked to school performance and gender. Important differences have also been identified in terms of the perception that families, teachers and students have of social networks, the latter having a more positive view than that of their parents and teachers. In conclusion, it is necessary for families to know what use their children make of social networks, and to develop appropriate educational measures that promote responsible and safe uses.