Social networks and education: is there an ideal age to use them?

Abstract

Is there an ideal age for using social networks? This is the question that guides the development of this article since the existing relationship with education is subject to several current reflections on its benefits in the educational field. Moreover, social networks are part of the set of Information and Communication Technologies [ICT], to which children and adolescents have access. There is recent research on the benefits they provide, the regulations in Spanish-speaking countries on their use, and the responsibility of parents to monitor the proper use of the networks. In addition to answering this question in the affirmative, it should be noted that social networks have important advantages for education; however, these advantages require prior knowledge to make effective use in the teaching-learning process, so parents play an important role as immediately responsible for raising awareness about privacy, security, risks, and educational benefits.