At the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), children aged 9-12 took part in an insightful session focused on the impact of viral trends on social media. The session was led by a family counselor and author, who engaged the young participants in a thoughtful discussion about their online content consumption habits, particularly on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Understanding the Dangers of Viral Challenges
During the session, Younus, the counselor, shared a viral yet dangerous video showcasing the “salt and ice challenge,” a trend that encourages individuals to put salt on their skin, followed by ice, which can cause severe burns. Younus used the video as an example to help the children understand the dangers of blindly following influencers who promote content for views and money.
She advised the children to always ask themselves whether the video was safe, responsible, and if it could harm them or anyone else. She stressed the importance of being mindful of the content they engage with and how easily trends can spread without considering the risks involved.
The Importance of Recognizing Positive and Negative Trends
The family counselor also asked the children how they would differentiate between positive and negative trends. The young participants responded that any content that negatively impacted one’s physical or mental health should be considered harmful. Furthermore, they agreed that trends which affected others negatively should be avoided and not promoted.
Some of the children explained that if they encountered harmful content or videos, they would either delete them or unfollow creators who shared such dangerous material. This proactive approach showed their understanding of the need to protect themselves and others from online harm.
Building Self-Esteem in the Face of Negative Online Content
The session also touched on how online criticism and negative comments can affect mental well-being. Several children shared that they would not let negative feedback about their content impact their self-esteem. They recognized the importance of not letting such experiences affect their mental peace.
Some children mentioned that distancing themselves from social media after negative experiences could help protect their mental health. They also suggested that improving self-esteem could help them resist the pressure of following harmful trends.
Suggestions for Positive Social Media Content
The children were also asked for suggestions on positive trends they would like to see more of online. They enthusiastically shared ideas such as videos about prayer, crafting, recycling, and healthy eating. Their suggestions reflected a desire for content that could inspire others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives while promoting positive behaviors.
A Rich Learning Experience at SCRF
This session was part of the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, which is taking place from April 23 to May 4 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “Dive into Books,” this year’s event is offering an immersive experience for attendees. The festival has attracted 133 guests from 70 countries and features 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations.
Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the event promises to inspire young minds with its diverse lineup of activities, encouraging children to explore new ideas and cultivate a love for reading and learning.
