​​​How teens use technology

Teens use technology like texting, gaming, social networks, the internet, and online chats to:

• connect
• learn and do schoolwork
• explore identity and interests
  
• enjoy free time

For many, their online lives matter as much as their offline lives.

Benefits of being online

Technology can help teens:

• practice communication skills
• build and maintain relationships with peers
• learn about trust and respect
• create a sense of community and belonging
  

The benefits are more likely to happen when teens are allowed to practice being online and when trusted adults talk with them about the opportunities and the challenges.

Potential risks for teens

Sometimes technology use can lead to:

• cyberbullying
• unhealthy relationships
• isolation
• avoiding in-person interactions
• accessing inappropriate materials
• privacy breaches
• misinformation including fake content made by using Al (artificial intelligence)
  
• technology over-use problems like spending too much time online
  

Teens who understand how online media works, like knowing how privacy settings work and how to critically assess digital content, are less likely to experience problems with technology use.

Sexuality and technology

Teens get messages about sexuality and relationships through technology every day. This includes messages about:

• gender
• sex
• body image
• sexual health
• consent and relationships

Sometimes these messages are directly about sexuality, like in pornography or sexts. Other times, the messages are more subtle, like in video games, advertisements, or video clips.

Some of the ideas teens get from technology can support sexual health and encourage healthy decisions. Others may be negative, leading to harm or dangerous situations. This can include images that have been changed using Al.​

Sexting

Sexting is sending sexual words, nude or semi-nude photos, or sexual videos through texts or instant messaging apps.

Some teens sext to explore sexuality, identity, and boundaries. It can be a way of showing sexual interest as they practice relationships and communication skills.

Most sexting is consensual and stays between sender and receiver. Sexting people they don't know is unhealthy and could be against the law.

Teens need to know that even though sexting can feel private and safe, when a message, photo, or video is sent to someone, there is no guarantee that it will stay private.

Pornography

Some teens access pornography as they explore their sexuality. It's important they understand that pornography:

• isn't real and that real sex does not feel like porn looks
• is made to sell an idea of sex that may not be healthy
• can sometimes lead to unhealthy ideas about body image and relationships
• can change how the teen brain and body work together for sex
  

What to say and do

Talk to teens about privacy, technology, and safety, whether you think they sext or use pornography. The same rules for healthy communication in real life apply online. When you teach about communicating online, teach about trust, respect, privacy, and consent. Some healthy messages to share with teens are:

• It's OK to be curious about sex.
• It's OK to want to communicate by flirting or in a sexual way with peers.
• You're not in trouble.
• Let's talk about safe and healthy ways to communicate.
• How can you give and get consent about sexting?
• It's important to check facts – not everything online is true.
• Let's talk about what ideas or values are being promoted here.
• There can be risks and benefits to using technology in sexual ways.
  

Setting limits about technology use can help teens use media in healthy ways and stay safe.

• Monitor media use.
• Be sure they keep personal information like family details private.
• Encourage teens to take regular breaks from technology.
  

What if I need help?

Not everything online makes people feel good. Some media messages can be negative, like bullying, threats, homophobia, or racism.

Talk to your teen about cyberbullying and sexting. Tell them they can talk to you or another adult they trust if something they see or receive upsets them.

To report online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, go to cybertip.ca.

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.

• ​Call or text 988: Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline any time, day or night. 
• Kids or teens can call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• Go to the Kids Help Phone website at http://kidshelpphone.ca​ for more information.
• Call Health Link at 811
• Call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 to find help.