Social media can have some potential negative effects such as addiction, social isolation, depression/anxiety, poor sleep, and etc. However, it can also be a good thing if used in the right way. Sexting and Cyberbullying are two examples of how harmful social media can be. Sexting is the sending of sexually explicit texts, pictures, or videos in a text message or through a social media app. It is something that happens very often among High School students. This is a dangerous trend as it can lead to serious emotional, physical, and legal consequences. Students may sext, thinking that you are safe or getting what you want, but it places you at risk because your private content is no longer in your control once it is out on the internet. Most of the time sexting is done between couples who are in a relationship. Unfortunately, only about 2% of school sweethearts marry, so that means 98% of the time, for people who thought they were just sexting with their boyfriend or girlfriend, someone now has sexual images of you that you are no longer with. A momentary decision can lead to a lifetime of consequences.  Cyberbullying is bullying with technology. When someone uses the internet or technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Examples could be: sending mean text messages, sending photos to embarrass someone, spreading rumors, sending or posting harassing comments, and etc. Students who would not normally say mean things or harass others in person can sometimes feel safe doing online due to the anonymity and lack of realistic consequences (they don’t see the pain they are causing someone). However, cyberbullying can have dire consequences on both the bully and the victim. Victims can exhibit feelings of depression or anxiety, begin to fail in school, start to develop addictions, and etc. Bullies can also face legal consequences if serious situations occur due to the cyberbullying. If you see this happening, don’t just be a bystander, be an upstander instead, do something about it! Tell a trusted adult, tell the bully to stop, or advocate for the victim. Demi Lovato has a great personal story and message about this: Demi Lovato: https://www.bystanderrevolution.org/v/Demi+Lovato+%7C+Cyberbullying/KNwM9tgvuiY