This report will outline key findings about 11 and 12-year old girls, their engagement with social media and some of the key concerns or challenges social media presents young people.
This data has developed from a larger PhD research topic exploring young girls and media socialisation. The data was gathered through focus groups and one-to-one interviews during 2015 and 2016, in two schools in the Midlands area of the UK.
The key findings from this research suggest young girls experience pressure via social media, in terms of presence on multiple platforms and also their appearance. There are additional results that point to further consideration of safety for young people online.
You can read more about the answer to the following questions in the report:
- What are the different affordances in the eyes of young people of their favourite apps?
- How does this impact their self-esteem?
- What are some of the concerns that YP have about the way they use media
- Any recommendations for support we can be giving or further research to be done?
Key recommendations include the need for further research in the field, and also further work with young people to identify how best to support them as they navigate and develop their digital identities.