Harnessing Social Media to Engage and Educate Youth

When it comes to reaching teenagers and young adults, I would like to think it can be made possible by a blend of creativity and the use of the right platform. Though this might seem like a lot of work, I can tell you that the results can be rewarding. People within these age ranges will mostly be reached on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat, and that is why these platforms are considered powerful tools of influence for these groups of people. An example of one who has done notable work in areas that concern young people is the Nigerian health and well-being creator, Dr Chinonso Egemba who has now become a trusted voice when it comes to educating young people about their health, fitness, and use of medicine. 

He has used the following approach to captivate the attention of his audience, and continues to impact many through these creative ways of passing information; 

• Relatable content – He simplifies complex medical information by using humor and his distinctive story telling style, thereby capturing the attention of many young people, in a way that they can easily relate to it.  
• Interaction – He always responds to comments on his posts, encourages his viewers to ask questions, take part in discussions, and polls. He always tries to interact with his audience, this helps him better understand the needs and concerns they might have. His ways of interacting with the audience allow him to build a trusting community. 
• Presence on multiple platforms – He has an active presence on multiple social media ​platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This​ allows him to reach a wider range of people, while catering to the preference of different users. 

Connecting with young adults might require plenty of creative skills and being able to be present on the right platforms. Following the example of Dr Chinonso, and many other professionals like him, and using helpful strategies like hosting educational campaigns, creating support groups, interactive workshops, and making use anonymous reporting tools can provide insights. 

What would I do if the goal were to decrease bullying? 

• The first step I want to take to achieve the goal of reducing bullying is to create a lot of awareness around this topic. I will educate my audience on what bullying looks like so that they recognize it when they see it and avoid being the bully.  
• Next, I will advocate for Laws and policies against bullying. By doing so, I will ensure that bullies serve the consequences of their actions, and the victims get some form of justice. 
• Also, I will encourage users to report people/handles that are are being used as a bullying tool, until such handles are brought down, and no longer in use. 
• I will create and encourage the use of helplines, where victims of bullying can report and get some support, in the form of counseling, or advice when they need it.  

So if the goal were to decrease bullying, I will use my Instagram and TikTok to amplify my voice against bullying, sharing positive messages and resources to help others. By raising awareness and encouraging positive behavior, we can create a community where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued.  

Brenda Obewe