Teens & social media: The darker side

(WPRI) - Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Just some of the many social media sites available on the World Wide Web. For teens, they're fun. But, for parents and educators trying to protect tech-savvy children and teens from harm, the sites can pose a daunting task.

There is a darker side. The sites can sometimes be used for bullying and other destructive purposes.

• Related: Track your teen's online activity
• Interactive: Online Dangers Quiz

"We've seen alot of very negative things posted on the internet, one student to another. It's actually cruel. Very cruel," said La Salle Academy Principal Don Kavanagh.

While scanning social media sites, Eyewitness News found several disturbing and eye-opening posts; some of which involved self-mutilation, eating disorders, depression and suicide.

In one post a teen admitted to cutting herself. Another said, "I just pretty much just want to kill myself."

"There have been tumblers who are now being found out and taken down that are actually about self-mutilation, anorexia and bulimia," said high school senior Erin Kane.

Social media sites, like Tumblr, are taking a stand against self-harm blogs by taking them down. But, with thousands of posts, that's a difficult task. So, what can parents do?

"Parents should be aware of what their kids are posting on any social media site," said Ed Heroux, La Salle Academy Co-Director of Guidance. "If students are going to be on Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr parents should know one house rule, 'if you're going to be on, you need to friend me," Heroux said.

However, that may be easier said than done.

Keep in mind some teens sign up for social media sites using an alias, making it difficult for parents to figure out it's their child.

While other times, teens will reveal alot about themselves; their name, parents' marital status, a goal to weigh 60 pounds. One post we found, a girl even revealed she's been cutting herself since she was 9 years old.

One way a parent can track their child is to check the browser history on their computer.

If a parent finds something concerning, Heroux said telling a child to stop the worrisome behavior is often ineffective. Instead, he said the parent should tell their child they understand he or she is going through some difficult times and they want to find a way to help.

"The parent should start the conversation with the child by saying, 'I'm not trying to invade your privacy. There are things you want to keep secret from me. But, secrecy ends when self-harm begins.'"

Another potential downside to troublesome posts - Heroux said what children post online could affect their college admission or job interview prospects as well.