While social media websites encourage interaction for the users, it’s easy for parents to feel more disconnected from their teens than ever. Social media sites like Facebook are just one of the many concerns that should be on a parent’s mind. Cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate photos or videos, and even buying drugs online, are just some of the ways that teens can easily get into dangerous situations while using social media.
Social Media: A New Era for Teen Drug Use
Parents need to keep communication lines open with their teenagers. Still, sometimes despite what you do, your teen may not always share everything with you. If you’re worried about your teen abusing drugs, their social media profiles may give you a lot of the information you need to know.
Using Social Media to Check if Your Teen is Using Drugs
It may surprise you that teens are now using social media sites like Instagram to buy drugs. Instagram, which focuses on sharing pictures, has become one of the most popular social media sites for teens. Many teenagers leave their profiles open to the public, meaning that anyone can see what they are sharing without having to “follow” them. Here are some things to look for on Instagram that may point to drug use:
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Pictures that show drug paraphernalia
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Photos of parties where there appears to be underage drinking or smoke-filled rooms
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Hashtags, such as #420, which is a reference to using pot, or #pyrex, which refers to using glass pyrex dishes to make crack cocaine–not the best way to use your grandmother’s vintage casserole dishes!
Facebook has been a popular social media site for teens and adults for years. Since it is a more established site, you may already have access to your teen’s profile by being “friends” when them. If that’s the case, you can monitor what your teen posts on their own, what they post on their friends’ profiles, and what posts they are tagged in. Facebook will give you more information because, unlike Instagram, teens are able to post more than just pictures. Teens can post status updates and events while also having conversations with their friends. Keep an eye out for the same types of pictures you’d look for on Instagram: drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and parties.
Twitter is a very popular social media site for teens. One of the things that makes Twitter so appealing for teens is being able to follow celebrities and keep up with current events. Like on Instagram, Twitter uses hashtags to describe posts. Look out for hashtags like #420 and #pyrex, as well as other references for drugs, including Crank (meth), Special K (ketamine), and Triple C or CCC (Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold).
IF YOU ARE WORRIED THAT YOUR TEEN IS EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS, WE PROVIDE ACCURATE AND CONFIDENTIAL DRUG TESTING. CALL (816) 800-9699 OR CONTACT TEST SMARTLY LABS TODAY. YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT ANY OF OUR 4 KANSAS CITY AREA LOCATIONS.
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