‘What a Novel Idea for Parents to Begin to Act Like Real Parents’
September 20, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A recent report has highlighted the dangers of social media on today’s youth, particularly young girls. Social media powerhouse Facebook has acknowledged how harmful its photo-sharing app, Instagram, can be for teen girls’ self-esteem. Research provided by Facebook itself shows that over the past three years, 32% of teenage girls who “feel bad about their bodies” claimed that Instagram made the issue worse and actually worsened their mental health.
Instagram’s Head of Public Policy, Karina Newton, stated that the company is aware of the research and is committed “to understanding [the] complex and difficult issues young people may struggle with.” Furthermore, Newton stood by Instagram, stating that the company is “…proud that our app can give voice to those who have been marginalized, that it can help friends and families stay connected from all corners of the world, [and] that it can prompt societal change; but we also know it can be a place where people have negative experiences.” While these comments may have placated some critics, this research reveals that Instagram makes body image issues worse in one out of three teenage girls, highlighting the severity of this mental health crisis.
Judge Phil Ginn, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES, ses.edu), responded to this troubled new data regarding teen mental health.
“Should we really be surprised to find that social media is harmful to even our youngest and most vulnerable children? At least Instagram and Facebook are now acknowledging this fact, albeit begrudgingly so. Maybe it’s time for us adults to break some bad habits in our own lives as to the use of our cellphones and other devices. Maybe even its time for us to act like real parents and restrict the access of such self-destructing messaging by monitoring the use of these devices by our children. What a novel idea for parents to begin to act like real parents and become intimately involved in the lives of their own children.”
SES recently held the important livestreamed event, “Awaken,” on August 7, 2021. The event examined issues related to systemic racism in America, police violence, and people of color; the nature of true social justice; and how individuals can escape today’s “wokism.” Featured speakers included SES President Judge Phil Ginn, former police officer Eric Muldrow, and Monique Duson of the Center for Biblical Unity.
The mission of SES is to train men and women, based on the inerrant and infallible written Word of God, for the evangelization of the world and defense of the historic Christian faith. SES offers the 15-hour Certificate in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).SES believes that one must minister to the present generation according to its needs—and to do so with truth and power. Students need training in the ethical, political and economic implications of the unchanging Faith “once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). The PPE can also be used as a concentration within most master’s degrees (excluding Master of Arts in Religion).The combination of PPE training and classical seminary education can be a potent one in combating the new heresies and false doctrines rooted in a secularist, progressivist worldview.
For more information on SES, visit its website at www.ses.edu or its Facebook page, follow the SES Twitter feed, @sesapologetics, or call (704) 847-5600.
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To interview a spokesperson for Southern Evangelical Seminary, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Jeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.