Online prey: Schools flag risky social media trends for teenagers, safety alert

Adolescents and teenagers are increasingly seeking external validation through social media “followers”. Many of them are looking for peer recognition online, which is making them more vulnerable to becoming an “online prey”, several schools report.

“There is an intense need for external validation. Children from a very young age have started to make reels or stories and post them online. There is a need to prove to the world you are different, unique, and you crave for that adulation which comes in the form of followers, most of whom are unknown to them,” said Pratima Nayar, principal, junior school, Calcutta International School.