Minors, through the use of the media, try to meet their need for communication, especially the one they do not always manage to achieve in face-to-face contacts. They seek out popular friends or strangers to whom they can present the image of themselves that they want or that they think will be liked. Children with disabilities, in particular, have the opportunity, through NCDs, to conceal their disabilities and experience communication with strangers without the stigma that often accompanies them in their face-to-face contacts. This gives them a sense of freedom and enjoyment in communication, often leading them to prefer it to face-to-face communication. Unfortunately, however, this preference carries both the risk of dependence on the NCDs and therefore isolation, as well as the risk of distancing themselves from their true selves and avoiding recognition and acceptance of their disability. The openness of children with disabilities to communicate with people they do not know online attracts, among others, harassers who are skilled at recognising the vulnerability of young people and approaching them in attractive ways, offering them the communication they need. Help your students learn to identify exploitative approaches by comparing them with people who love them and with whom they communicate honestly. Invite them to have beautiful experiences of communication in the classroom, with their peers and to recall moments of constructive, face-to-face communication with friends and family.
Vazaiou, A. , Loizou, D., Beca, I. and Tzovara, N. (2020). Prevention at home. From A to Z . Centre for the Prevention of Addictions and Promotion of Psychosocial Health “Athena Health” of the Municipality of Athens in cooperation with the Social and Economic Development Agency of Athens, p.67.
