What kind of platform would I use if the goal was to decrease bullying?

Social media is a great way to communicate with the youth and to advertise services to them. It can be controversial whether social media is good or bad for young people. However, the fact is that they will be interacting with social media daily in their lives. That can be used as a tool to reach them. 

As children grow into teenagers, their will to get more independent and might even rebel against their parents. Therefore, parents might not be able to express their guidance and rules might be broken. Teenagers might think that their parents are trying to control them too much and they need to make their own decisions, not realizing they might be too young to make important decisions by themselves.

Therefore it might be better to use social media to educate and influence the youth, since they will all reach the content and might have a discussion about it. So it might be more fruitful for them to reach the content themselves and think about it. This way it doesn’t seem so controlling to the teenager. Instead, they can ponder and get to decide for themselves. 

In my opinion, the best platform to reach the youth and decrease bullying would be Tiktok. According to my experience, young people use Instagram mostly to post and react to their friends, Snapchat to communicate and Tiktok to scroll. In Tiktok, you can follow people, but mostly your “For You Page” will be filled with all kinds of videos you might be interested in or that are going viral. 

If I could create a short, memorable video in Tiktok to influence the youth and create discussion about bullying, I believe it would help the youth to ponder it. Some might even get courage to get help or stand up for themselves, which would decrease the impact of bullying remarkably. 

In my opinion, the youth shouldn’t be controlled too much. We should give them a chance to ponder and discuss themselves, so that the ideas and decisions seem to be their own and not their parents. However, they still need a lot of guidance, respecting their independence. 

 TikTok is one of the most influential communication tools for educational and awareness initiatives, which attracts youngsters aged 13 to 25. Social therapists and educators are increasingly turning to TikTok to address concerns such as mental health, substance misuse, and teenager well-being.

Examples of Social Work with Young People on TikTok:

 1. @laakari.atte - Doctor Influencer Combating Substance Abuse
Dr. Atte is a Finnish psychiatrist who uses the TikTok video-sharing app for addressing substance misuse and addiction concerns. In his videos, he mixes scientific knowledge and expertise with comedy and accessible scenarios to educate kids about the impacts of alcohol, drugs, and vaping in order to promote healthy lifestyles.  

2. @YourMentalHealthGuide - Helped youngsters in improving their mental health.
The fashion influencer promotes mental health awareness with helpful ideas on stress management, anxiety, and self-care techniques. This account's updates include statements about life events, expert interviews, and motivational content designed to help young people relate to their emotional challenges.

How Can Social Workers and Educators Reach Young Audiences on TikTok?

1. Create engaging and educational content.                                                                                         Make important or delicate issues more approachable using trends, music, and challenge         Post short films (15-60 seconds) with a cohesive, clear message.                                                     
2. Be authentic and relatable                                                                                                                    Instead of using academic prose, communicate in common conversational terms.
   Use personal tales to build rapport and connection.                                                                                 
3. Allow Interaction to Take Place                                                                                                           Use TikTok's Q&A function to respond to regularly asked questions.
   Engage them with surveys, challenges, and duets.                                                                                  
4. Collaborate With Influencers                                                                                                               Collaborate with trustworthy TikTokers who already have a youthful audience.
   Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, and educators to provide correct information.                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion
   
   While TikTok is still in its early stages, it has the potential to be an excellent resource for social workers and educators looking to stay in touch with and help students. Professionals may use innovative, relevant, and interactive materials to educate, motivate, and genuinely transform the lives of young people. TikTok allows you to create true relationships with the future generation about topics like substance misuse, mental health, and other social concerns. 
   

Blog Theme-3

 

Challenges and Opportunities for Social Workers in Building Relationships with Young People Through Social Media

 Social media has changed the way social workers connect with young people. While it offers many opportunities, it also brings some challenges that social workers need to manage to build genuine connections.

 

Challenges-

 Access to Technology: Not all young people have the same access to the internet or devices. This inequality can make it hard for social workers to reach everyone, especially in low-income communities. Some young people might miss out on online help if they don't have the right resources.

 Keeping Professional Boundaries: Social media often mixes personal and professional spaces. Social workers may find it hard to keep clear boundaries when talking to young people online, especially since these platforms can feel more casual. Breaking these boundaries can affect trust and lead to privacy or ethical issues.

 Privacy Issues: Interacting online can be less secure than face-to-face meetings. Social workers must be careful not to share or expose private information in a way that could hurt the trust between them and the young people they work with.

 Young People’s Online Image: Young people often share a version of themselves online that may not reflect their true feelings or struggles. This can make it harder for social workers to understand what the young person really needs and to provide the right support. Social workers have to build trust and help young people open up.

 Risk of Miscommunication: Without seeing facial expressions or body language, social workers may misinterpret what a young person is saying. It’s harder to understand someone's emotions or intentions through text, which can make it challenging to offer the right help.

 

Opportunities

1. Engaging Hard-to-Reach Youth: Social media provides social workers with the means to engage with young individuals who may not utilize conventional services. Those who experience feelings of isolation or are navigating difficult circumstances may find it more comfortable to seek assistance online. Social workers can extend their support in the digital spaces where these young people are already active.

 2. Anonymity and Reduced Stigma: Online platforms facilitate anonymous discussions, enabling young individuals to express themselves regarding sensitive issues such as mental health or abuse without the fear of judgment. The virtual setting often feels less daunting compared to in-person interactions.

 3. Immediate Assistance and Support: Social media enables prompt communication. Social workers can deliver timely support and guidance when young people are in urgent need, particularly during emotional crises or challenging situations.

 4. Innovative Methods of Engagement: Social workers can employ engaging and creative tools, such as videos, memes, and infographics, to connect with young people. This approach can enhance the learning experience regarding critical topics—such as mental health and safety—making it more appealing and accessible.

5. Gradual Trust Building: Social media can serve as a less intimidating environment for young individuals to interact with social workers. Over time, this familiarity can foster trust and encourage young people to express their feelings and experiences more candidly.

 6. Facilitating Peer Connections: Social workers can assist young people in discovering online communities or establishing safe spaces where they can connect with peers facing similar challenges. These online support groups can provide emotional backing and help young individuals feel understood and less isolated.

 Conclusion :The advent of social media has transformed the manner in which social workers engage with young people, presenting both challenges and promising opportunities. Despite concerns regarding access, privacy, and boundaries, the potential to connect with youth in innovative and creative ways serves as a significant advantage. By remaining adaptable and committed to ethical practices, social workers can leverage social media to cultivate strong, supportive relationships.

 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0312407X.2016.1224907#d1e246

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260197665_Online_Communities_Challenges_and_Opportunities_for_Social_Network_Research

 

 

 

        What would you do if the goal would be to

     decrease bullying?

             social work with young people (13-25 years old)

Social work professionals and educators can effectively reach young people (ages 13–25) by utilizing social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms are where young people spend a significant amount of their time, making them an excellent way to reach a broad audience.

Example 1: Doctor Atte

Atte Virolainen, known as "Doctor Atte," is a Finnish doctor who uses TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health. He has over 43,000 followers on TikTok and more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, with his videos being viewed approximately 2.5 million times per month. (a-klinikkasaatio.fi)

His content includes:

• Interactive Q&A sessions: Young people can ask questions in the comments, and Atte responds in his videos.
• Personal stories: He shares his own experiences, making the content relatable.
• Short informative videos: He explains complex health topics in an easy-to-understand format.

Atte has also received recognition for his work, such as the "Substance Abuse Doctor of the Year" award in 2023. (paly.fi)

Example 2: Päivystyspodi – Doctor Atte

On YouTube, "Päivystyspodi" has published an episode where Doctor Atte talks about his background and work in addiction medicine. This video provides a deeper insight into his activities and motivations:

Päivystyspodi 3: Doctor Atte – Substance Abuse Care, Patients with Addiction

---

How Can Social Work Professionals or Educators Reach Young People?

• Active presence on social media: Creating accounts on popular platforms and posting regularly with content that interests young people.
• Interactivity: Responding to young people's questions and comments, as well as organizing live sessions or Q&A events.
• Visual storytelling: Using images, videos, and personal stories to convey messages effectively.
• Collaboration with influencers: Partnering with popular social media influencers to spread important messages to a larger audience.

By using these strategies, social work professionals and educators can effectively reach and influence young people through social media.

         "Sosiaalityö nuorten (13–25-vuotiaiden) kanssa"

Sosiaalialan ammattilaiset ja kasvattajat voivat tavoittaa nuoret (13–25-vuotiaat) tehokkaasti hyödyntämällä sosiaalisen median alustoja, kuten TikTokia, Instagramia ja YouTubea. Näillä alustoilla nuoret viettävät merkittävän osan ajastaan, joten niiden kautta on mahdollista saavuttaa laaja yleisö.

Esimerkki 1: Lääkäri Atte

Atte Virolainen, tunnettu nimellä "Lääkäri Atte", on suomalainen lääkäri, joka käyttää TikTokia ja Instagramia lisätäkseen tietoisuutta päihteiden haitoista ja mielenterveydestä. Hänellä on TikTokissa yli 43 000 seuraajaa ja Instagramissa yli 20 000 seuraajaa, ja hänen videoitaan katsotaan kuukausittain noin 2,5 miljoonaa kertaa.

A Klinikka Satio

Sisällössään hän tarjoaa:

• Interaktiivisia Q&A-sessioita: Nuoret voivat esittää kysymyksiä kommenteissa, joihin Atte vastaa videoillaan.
• Henkilökohtaisia tarinoita: Hän jakaa omia kokemuksiaan, mikä tekee sisällöstä samaistuttavaa.
• Lyhyitä informatiivisia videoita: Hän käsittelee monimutkaisia terveysaiheita helposti ymmärrettävässä muodossa.

Atte on myös saanut tunnustusta työstään, kuten Vuoden päihdelääkäri -palkinnon vuonna 2023.

Paly

Esimerkki 2: Päivystyspodi – Lääkäri Atte

YouTubessa "Päivystyspodi" on julkaissut jakson, jossa Lääkäri Atte kertoo omasta taustastaan ja työstään päihdelääketieteen parissa. Tämä video tarjoaa syvällisemmän katsauksen hänen toimintaansa ja motivaatioonsa:

Miten sosiaalialan ammattilainen tai kasvattaja voi tavoittaa nuoren kohderyhmän?

• Aktiivinen läsnäolo sosiaalisessa mediassa: Luomalla tilejä suosituimmille alustoille ja julkaisemalla säännöllisesti nuoria kiinnostavaa sisältöä.
• Interaktiivisuus: Vastaamalla nuorten kysymyksiin ja kommentteihin sekä järjestämällä live-lähetyksiä tai Q&A-sessioita.
• Visuaalisuus ja tarinankerronta: Käyttämällä kuvia, videoita ja henkilökohtaisia tarinoita viestin välittämiseen.
• Yhteistyö vaikuttajien kanssa: Tekemällä yhteistyötä suosittujen some-vaikuttajien kanssa viestin levittämiseksi laajemmalle yleisölle.

Hyödyntämällä näitä strategioita sosiaalialan ammattilaiset ja kasvattajat voivat tehokkaasti tavoittaa ja vaikuttaa nuoriin sosiaalisen median kautta.

 To reach young people through social media: a guide for social professionals

Social media is a big part of young people’s lives, especially those aged 13 to 25. Platforms like Instagram are great tools for connecting, educating, and advocating. Here’s how social professionals can use them to support young people and tackle issues like substance abuse.

Examples of social work on Instagram

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) (@saddnation):: This American -based organization links youth to campaigns that address drug addiction, mental health and traffic safety, and often teens lead to their local communities encourage you to play the role of.

How to affect young people and influence

Here are some strategies that they use:

• Personal stories: Those who affect the affected parts openly share their struggle with intoxication and improvement. This honesty creates faith and shows young people that changes are possible.

• Visual appeal: Bright scenes, infographics and videos attract attention. Influencers often use these devices to introduce complex topics, such as the recovery of addiction, easily.

• Commitment: They regularly interact with followers through comments, direct messages and live sessions, and make young people hear and support.

• Collaboration: By working with organizations or other affected, they improve the message and reach the wider audience.

How Social Professionals Can Use Social Media to Reach Young People

1. Create Relevant Content:

   • Talk about mental health, relationships, and peer pressure.

   • Use simple, clear language.

2. Be Visual:

   • Use bright visuals, videos, and graphics to attract attention.

   • Share short reels or stories on coping tips and seeking help.

3. Be Authentic:

   • Share real-life stories to build trust.

   • Show behind-the-scenes moments to be relatable.

4. Engage Regularly:

   • Respond to messages and comments consistently.

   • Use interactive tools like polls and Q&A sessions.

5. Collaborate with Influencers:

   • Partner with trusted influencers to expand your reach.

   • Invite them to share your content or co-host campaigns.

6. Promote Resources:

• Share links to helplines and counseling services.

• Provide a safe space for questions and advice.

Social media is a powerful way to support and connect with young people. By creating authentic, engaging, and visually appealing content, social professionals can make a real difference. Let’s use these tools to help young people feel seen, heard, and supported!

Group 1 : Discussion about theme 3

 

BLOG THEME 3: How do social workers reach young people in social media?

Topic 1 - 1 Find examples of social work with young people (13-25 years old) as target group in different social media platforms in Finnish or other context. 
> Check how does a social media influencer reach young people, f.ex. laakari.atte, profile (doctor as influencer) in social media, fighting against substance abuse and addictions.
Describe 1–2 examples f.ex. in TiK TokSHANTI
How can the social professional /educator reach the young target group?

Topic 2 - 1 Find examples of social work with young people (13-25 years old) as target group in different social media platforms in Finnish or other context. 
> Check how does a social media influencer reach young people, f.ex. laakari.atte, profile (doctor as influencer) in social media, fighting against substance abuse and addictions.
Describe 1–2 examples f.ex. in Instagram.SARU
How can the social professional /educator reach the young target group?

Topic 3- 1 Find examples of social work with young people (13-25 years old) as target group in different social media platforms in Finnish or other context. 
> Check how does a social media influencer reach young people, f.ex. laakari.atte, profile (doctor as influencer) in social media, fighting against substance abuse and addictions.
Describe 1–2 examples f.ex. in YoutubeIRESHA
How can the social professional /educator reach the young target group?

Topic 4 - What would you do if the goal would be to decrease bullying?NIRESHA

Topic 5 - What kind of platform would you use for the Topic 4?GRETA

Topic 6 – The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Social Work Support for Vulnerable Youth DURUO
Explore how social workers use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to engage with at-risk youth, providing resources, emotional support, and guidance in a way that is accessible and relatable. 

Topic 7 - Challenges and Opportunities for Social Workers in Building Relationships with Young People Through Social MediaDEEPIKA
Discuss the challenges social workers face in forming genuine connections with youth online (such as digital divides or maintaining boundaries) and the opportunities for reaching youth in ways traditional methods may not.

Social Support for Vulnerable Youth

The Role of social media in Enhancing Social

 Work Support for Vulnerable Youth

Social media brings unique risks to the development and well-being of adolescents, but it also presents opportunities. For vulnerable youth, who may face issues such as homelessness, sexual abuse, psychiatric, mental disorders or family instability, social media needs to offer special and unique opportunities for engagement and support.

For example, Instagram’s visual appeal fosters trust and engagement, TikTok’s viral nature makes education accessible and relatable, and Facebook’s community-building features provide a space for peer support and resource sharing.

• Building trust and engagement: social workers can make a comfortable and familiar space for youth to engage, which inspires them invigoration in social media. In addition, social media can provide a less formal way for young people, which makes them feel light and satisfied.
• Peer support and community building: Often give vulnerable youth an inclusive environment, so that they can share experiences, foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Also, social works can create support measures which youth can seek advice and receive encouragement from others.
• Education and awareness: Social workers can use social media to raise awareness about issues affecting vulnerable youth, such as bullying, mental health, or homelessness. Youth people can use social media to seek helpful tips, available services and educational resources.

Together, these methods enable social workers to meet youth where they are, breaking down barriers to access and providing timely, relevant support. Meanwhile, the use of social media must be carefully managed to address ethical concerns and ensure the safety  and well-being of vulnerable youth. By leveraging the strength of social media while mitigating its risks, social workers can create a more inclusive and effective support environment for vulnerable young people.

References:

Nesi, J. (2020) ‘The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities’, North Carolina medical journal, 81(2), pp. 116–121. doi:10.18043/ncm.81.2.116.

Posted by Duruo