It’s no secret that today’s society is largely shaped by the evolving influence of social media. In an era where social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, the impact it has on our kids cannot be overlooked. While the digital age has ushered in connectivity and opportunities for self-expression, it has also brought with it a slew of challenges, particularly for the impressionable minds of young kids. Within a sea of tweets, posts and stories, one aspect stands out as both crucial and often overlooked: the importance of fostering positivity on social media platforms.
Without proper guidance and a good foundation for navigating social media, kids are highly susceptible to the negative side effects of social media. When you factor in elements of peer pressure, impressionability and adolescent impulse control, social media can become a scary place. However, this doesn’t mean the social media space can’t also provide positive benefits for youth and young athletes, and become an outlet to spread good sportsmanship.
Sportsmanship in Social Media
With a bit of parental guidance and some groundwork rooted in mutual respect, inclusion, and fairness, social media can yield incredibly positive experiences. As president of Varsity Spirit, an organization founded with the mission of elevating the student and athlete experience, I have seen the role that classic sportsmanship can play in teaching kids all the values necessary for navigating any of life’s challenges, be it in the world, or on the web.
I’ve learned from my own athletic experiences that good sportsmanship helps build confidence in our youth, which is one of the most valuable qualities we see develop in cheerleaders and dancers. There are a couple of key sportsmanship values that I believe translate to the realm of responsible social media use. Instilling these in our children early on will prepare them to take on the world of social media.
Respect
Respect is perhaps one of the most important values in sportsmanship and one we continually preach at Varsity Spirit. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or at home, it’s crucial to instill mutual respect as the golden rule early, and often. This also means teaching your kids to think of others and how they may be affected before they post or comment on social media. These online communities should be looked at as an extension of the real world.
Support
Supportive attitudes go a long way in building sportsmanship. As a parent, it’s essential that you motivate your child to always build their team and friends up instead of promoting negativity. Support is also crucial when navigating the waters of social media and can be the difference between hurtful and truly beneficial online experiences. Sports can be great for kids, but parents have to choose to go on the journey with them and remain present and attentive throughout, especially if issues arise with social media.
Control of Emotions
Athletics is one of the best avenues for exposing children to a range of different emotions. Wins, losses, gains, and setbacks are inherent in any competitive setting. However, learning to control these emotions is paramount to good sportsmanship. I always say, “You learn more from a loss than you do from a win.” Teaching your kids to channel their frustrations into something positive will go a long way in helping them interact with others online.
Inclusion
Teamwork is all about inclusion. No matter the gender, age, ethnicity, or talent level of the athlete, teamwork is about finding a place within the structure for them to best succeed. Inclusive attitudes should extend to all parts of life, including our social media circles. By teaching your kids to accept others, no matter their differences, you’re helping to create inclusive communities that benefit all.
Know What You Can Control and What You Can’t
In the world of sports, there are so many things out of our control. Some athletes are born bigger, taller, faster, or stronger. Therefore, it’s important to teach your kids the difference between things in and out of their control and how to focus on what they can change. The same goes for social media. We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we react and how we interact with others.
From My Seat
When it comes to youth sports, we must always remember these are kids, and negativity on social media affects them. I’m calling on everyone involved in youth sports, not just cheerleading, to commit to elevating sportsmanship to create an encouraging online experience. At Varsity Spirit, we strive to facilitate a community aimed at providing a positive and nurturing environment for young people to thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been having the opportunity to watch so many young athletes grow intellectually, emotionally, and competitively as they pursue their passions and develop into well-rounded individuals. It's truly inspiring to witness their transformation, knowing their time as an athlete has prepared them to take on the future confidently, responsibly, and honorably.
Thank you to all the parents and coaches who play a role in spreading positivity in sports, not just through social media, but by encouraging young athletes as they continue to learn and grow.