-

How do social workers reach young people in social media? - Theme 3

Social professionals and educators can now effectively interact with youth through social media. Professionals may speak about topics like bullying , substance abuse , and mental health on platforms like You-tube, Instagram, and TikTok. Here we explore ways to reducing bullying on social media and examine instances of social workers effectively addressing young audiences.



Examples of social work with young people ( 13- 25 ) on social media platforms

1.Laakari.atte ( Instagram )

Laakari.atte is a Finnish doctor (Atte Ahonen) who uses Instagram to educate young people about health, Substance abuse , and mental health. He shares relatable , easy-to - understand posts, stories, and reels about topics like alcohol, drugs, and mental health. His approach is non-judgmental and youth-friendly, using humor and personal anecdotes to connect with his audience. Young people trust him because he speaks their language and provide evidence-based information in a way that feels approachable and engaging. You can find a video of Laakaratte below.👇👇

laakariatte

 

2.Nuorten Linja (TikTok and You Tube )

Nuorten Linja is a Finnish organization providing support and counseling for young people. They use TikTok and YouTube to create shorts, engaging videos about mental health, relationships, and bullying.  Their content includes tips, personal stories, and Q and A sessions. The videos are short, visually appealing, and address issues young people face daily. The platform choice (TikTok)is where young people spend a lot of their time. You can watch the channel below👇👇

https://youtube.com/@naistenlinja850?si=w7V9ZquuUmiOaAx8

How can social professionals/educators Reach Young people?

  1. Be relatable - use language, humor, and visuals that resonate with young people.
  2. Be Active on the right platforms - Focus on platforms like TikTok , Instagram , and YouTube, where young people are most active.
  3. Collaborate with influencers - Partner with influencers like Laakari.atte to amplify your message.
  4. Interactive content - Use polls, Q & A sessions, and challenges to engage the audience.
  5. provide value - Share practical advice, resources, and support in a way that feels helpful, not preachy.

Decreasing bullying : strategies and Platform choice


If the goal is to decrease the bullying a multi- platform approach is essential

Platform choice - Blog + Social media integration

why is a blog ? 

  • A blog can serve as a central hub for a in-depth articles, resources, and stories about bullying. It can be linked to wider social media platforms

social media platforms? 

  • Use Instagram , TikTok , and YouTube to promote blog content and engage young people

Blog content ideas

  • Personal stories - share stories from young people who have experience bullying and how they overcome it.
  • Educational posts - Explain what bullying is,its effects,and how it recognize it.
  • Tips for Bystanders - Teach young people how to intervene safely when they witness bullying.
  • Mental health resources - provide links to helplines, counselling services, and self- help tools.
  • Interactive Elements - Include polls, quizzes, and comment sections to encourage engagement.

Social media strategies

  • Instagram - post infographics,quotes,and short videos about bullying prevention.Use stories for polls and Q and A sesssions
  • TikTok - Create short , impactful videos with anti-bullying messages,challenges (eg-#BeKindChallenge),and testimonials
  • Youtube - Share longer videos,such as interviews with experts,animated explainers,or workshops on building empathy and resilience.

·        Social workers can effectively engage and educate young people using social media. Professionals can raise awareness and promote constructive social change by using relatable, interactive, and creative material on websites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Using digital engagement and focused initiatives to combat bullying can contribute to the creation of safer online environments for youth. 

References

Ahonen, A. (n.d.). Laakari.atte on Instagram: Educating Youth on Health and Mental Well-being. [online] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/laakari.atte/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2025].

Nuorten Linja. (n.d.). Providing Support and Counseling for Young People on TikTok and YouTube. [online] Available at: https://www.nuortenlinja.fi/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2025].


By-Chamarika nuwandi madushani



Comments

  1. Sarina ThapaliyaFebruary 17, 2025 at 11:20 AM

    This is so insightful! You've shared a lot of valuable information. Thank you for taking the time to write this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ranjita PuriFebruary 18, 2025 at 3:19 AM

    By using social media, Professionals can raise awareness and promote constructive social change by using relatable, interactive, and creative material on websites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

-
Image
  Blog Theme 5: Digital Media for Elderly People   Statistics of Elderly People Using Digital Media Digital media usage among elderly people has been steadily increasing in recent years, although there is still a notable gap compared to younger generations. According to a report from Eurostat (2020), approximately 61% of people aged 65 to 74 in the EU have used the internet, compared to just 31% in 2010. The numbers continue to rise, showing that older adults are gradually embracing digital tools and services. However, there’s a digital divide, and a significant portion of seniors still find it difficult to navigate digital environments. In fact, research from the Pew Research Centre shows that about 40% of Americans aged 65 and older do not use the internet at all, while those who do tend to stick to simple tasks like browsing or emailing. This divide is often linked to factors such as limited technological skills, lack of access, and concerns about privacy or securi...
Read more
-
Image
  How to Do Adult Social Work in a Digital Media Environment: A Focus on Rehabilitative Work Activities Introduction In the developed world of social work, the integration of digital media has opened new ways for support, rehabilitation and dedication. With the increase in digital devices, sociologist can now get in touch with customers on more flexible and effective methods. One of the most important areas that has benefited from digital progression is rehabilitation activities. This blog will be engrossed in how adult social work is organized in the rehabilitation sector in the digital media environment. We want to explore examples of real life, customer work methods and research, evaluate all the abilities that keep digital media to increase social work practice. Rehabilitative Work Activities in Adult Social Work Rehabilitation work activities in social work focus on helping physical, mental or emotional people gain their freedom and...
Read more
-
Image
Theme 6 second post.   social media and organizational communication ​ In exploring how social media influences organizational communication, I came across a concise video titled " How Social Media is Changing the Way We Communicate ." This video delves into the transformative effects of social media on our communication habits, both personally and within organizational settings. Key Takeaways: Shift from Traditional to Digital Communication: The video highlights the transition from face-to-face interactions and traditional communication methods to digital platforms, emphasizing how social media has become a primary medium for sharing information and ideas within organizations. ​ Real-Time Collaboration: It showcases how tools like instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative platforms enable employees to work together seamlessly, regardless of geographical locations, thereby enhancing productivity and innovation. ​ Challenges and Considerations: The c...
Read more