Social Media's Impact on Teenage Boys: A Growing Concern

Social Media's Impact on Teenage Boys: A Growing Concern in Brazil Brazil is grappling with the influence of social media on the development of teenage boys. A recent episode of the popular program "Dois Pontos," featured on Estadão's social media channels, highlights this issue. The program interviewed Telma Vinha, a researcher and professor at Unicamp, and Guilherme Valadares, founder of the Instituto Papo de Homem. They discussed how male influencers shape boys' understanding of masculinity, potentially leading to harmful behaviors like extremism and misogyny. "Parents need to know their children's passwords," stated Vinha, emphasizing the need for parental oversight in the digital age. Valadares added insights into the concerning trends observed among young boys online, reinforcing the need for proactive intervention and education. The program underscores the urgent need for open dialogue about social media's impact on youth development. By understanding the challenges and working collaboratively, families, educators, and society can help guide teenagers towards healthier online experiences and a more positive sense of self.