9 suggestions to understand the digital behavior of teenagers

See strategies to understand the codified language of young people in the online vehicle

Netflix’s “adolescence” series, a worldwide phenomenon already assisted by over 65 million people, has highlighted one of the great difficulties of parenting in the digital era: how to have access to what the child consumes or publishes on social networks and how to deal with him?

The challenge is not only to drive and educate on the use of networks. It is a matter of identifying positive or negative behaviors and, through dialogue, understanding what the child publishes and identifying the groups with which he connects and this influences his online identity.

According to research Tic Kids Online Brazil, published in 2024 by the Regional Center for Studies for the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br), 93% of the Brazilian population aged 9 to 17 are an Internet user. Among the young people aged between 13 and 17, about 90% use social networks.

The number of teenagers connected to the Internet is large and the series faces only one of the many challenges faced in the digital era, questioning the discussion on inels (Abbreviation of Celatinato of violation or, in Portuguese, “involuntary celibate”). The term refers to people, usually males, who are unable to have romantic or sexual relationships and end up being involved in online communities to share their frustrations, often expressing hatred speeches.

Approaching children

The first step to reduce this abyss between Parents and childrenThe psychologist Fernanda Pacheco affirms, an open communication is established. “Parenting is a challenge alone, but being present in the life of the child, allowing you to have difficult conversations and knowing the world and how it also behaves in the digital environment, is a way to create an opening so that children can feel safe in looking for parents in front of a circumstance that do not know how to deal with possible situations that have passed on the internet”, he explains.

Master in Forensic Psychology and Professor of the Psychology Course at Unicuritiba, Fernanda Pacheco highlights a point that the “adolescence” series highlights: “The fact that the child is at home is not a guarantee of security, since the environment online It has so many (or even more) challenges of those offline“.

Considered “strong and visceral”, the most assisted series of the moment in streaming He leads exactly to this reflection. But the question is: how can parents approach their children and identify inappropriate behaviors in virtual relationships and social networks? To help parents, mothers and caregiver in this task, Fernanda Pacheco offers some practical strategies:

1. Be aware of coded communication

Teenagers have their way of expressing themselves in the virtual environment, using specific codes such as emojis and their languages. “Emoji are often used by teenagers to express emotions, ideas or even replace the words in conversations. Furthermore, the use of all the lowercase letters in writing is another example of his communicative style “, explains the psychologist, who acts focusing on assisting teenagers and emerging adults.

In addition to the language, another common resource between teenagers and young adults is the limited profiles, created exclusively for a selected group of friends. These include extensions such as Dix and Daily, accessible only by some users.

2. Understand each platform individually

Each social network has its own functions, jargon and logic of use. Put the time to explore, with your child, the platforms he uses, showing a real interest in the digital universe in which he is inserted.

3. See Emoji dictionaries

Emoji can have multiple meanings, depending on the context and generation. Ask your child for help to understand the symbols he uses: helps link. There are also sites that bring together updated interpretations of the most popular emojis among young people.

4. Follow the Tendencies

The internet language changes continuously. Often words, symbols or even colors have specific meanings in certain contexts. Ask teenagers hashtagsMemes and subjects of the moment: this shows interest and promotes dialogue.

5. Join parents or forum groups online

There are communities dedicated to digital parenting that offer precious exchanges among those responsible. These spaces help to reduce insecurities, to share experiences and learn from the relationships of other families.

6. Follow content creators

Many teenagers accompany the influencers with whom they identify themselves, but those parents do not always know. Observe those who follow your child can offer clues to their interests, ideas and behaviors.

7. Develop adaptability

On the internet, everything changes quickly. To accompany your son, it is I need to understand That the way of communicating, creating ties and life experiences today is different. Recognizing these generational differences is essential for active and respectful listening.

8. Dedicate quality time

In order for a teenager to feel welcomed, it is essential to achieve the interest of his parents in his world: what he likes to listen, look, play, with whom he speaks. Avoid automatic and critical comparisons. Be present and available: this makes the difference.

9. Look for expert help

If you have difficulty understanding or connecting with the teenager, a specialized professional can help. Psychologists support both young people and responsible. Sudden changes in behavior – such as isolation, irritability or aggression – can indicate the need for professional support.

By Marlise Groth

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.