Summary:
- ICEA LION Uganda emphasizes the importance of teaching teenagers responsible social media usage and essential life skills. They address the risks of social media, such as cyberbullying and low self-esteem, while also promoting environmental sustainability through tree-planting initiatives.
Everywhere we look, teenagers are fixated on their smartphones, spending hours on end scrolling through social media. This digital landscape has revolutionized how young people connect, presenting both opportunities and pitfalls. While it enables them to maintain relationships and express themselves, it also exposes them to risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and potential addiction, all of which can detrimentally affect their mental well-being.
Teenagers often lack the emotional maturity to navigate the complexities of social media safely.
Recognizing the significance of empowering teenagers, particularly during Women’s Month, ICEA LION Uganda recently emphasized the importance of essential skills in a workshop. Led by Kakande Komugisha Deborah, head of human resources, and Daniel Kairu, head of Business Development and Marketing, ICEA LION Uganda provided guidance to both young men and women on responsible social media usage. They underscored the importance of refraining from sharing sensitive information online, which could have adverse consequences in the future.
A key focus of the workshop was peer pressure and its influence on adolescent decision-making. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the influence of their peers, making it crucial for them to develop strategies to resist negative peer pressure. According to research by the Pew Research Center, approximately 55% of teenagers feel pressured to conform to their peers’ behavior on social media.
Deborah shed light on the detrimental effects of social media on teenagers’ self-esteem and identity. The prevalence of filtered images on social platforms sets unattainable standards, heightening insecurities during this vulnerable developmental stage.
In addition to promoting self-respect, positive thinking, confidence, and personal value, the workshop also focused on imparting crucial life skills essential for navigating adolescence and beyond. These included effective communication skills such as active listening and assertiveness, empowering teens to express themselves confidently and advocate for their needs in various social settings.
Furthermore, ICEA LION initiated a tree-planting campaign at Kitante Hill School as part of their “Go Green” initiative. This program, launched last year, aims to plant hundreds of thousands of trees in collaboration with more than 10 schools across Uganda over a two-year period. At Kitante Hill School, over 200 trees were planted, symbolizing ICEA LION’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Elizabeth Onen, the Headteacher of Kitante Hill School, expressed gratitude to ICEA LION for their efforts to maintain a green environment. She stressed the importance of student involvement in environmental conservation, suggesting that the students would oversee the growth of the trees during their remaining time at the school. Ms. Elizabeth commended ICEA LION for their dedication to community and environmental well-being, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives in fostering a sustainable future.
She reiterated that ICEA LION’s initiatives to empower teenagers with essential social skills and promote environmental sustainability are integral to nurturing holistic development among today’s youth, laying the foundation for lifelong success and meaningful contributions to society.
Deborah highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between corporations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders in empowering the next generation and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
“At ICEA LION Uganda, we are committed to investing in the future of our youth and safeguarding the environment for generations to come, striving for a world where prosperity is shared, and sustainability is prioritized,” she stated.
