Today, adults complain that kids are looking at their phone screens too much or that they are inside on their computer and not paying attention to more important aspects of life. In fact, the administration at U. City decided to ban cell phone use at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year in an attempt to keep students engaged.

Most of the time when teens are peering at their device screens they are either texting or posting/reading social media (specifically Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). In this day and age it is rare to come across a young adult that is not involved in social media. In a study conducted by Statisticbrain.com, 98% of 18-24 year olds are involved with social media on a regular basis. And according to that same study, only 59% of teens think of social media websites as unsafe. The amount of stories one hears about tragedies due to unsafe use of the internet is innumerable. However, teens rarely consider that they need to be careful on social media sites.

Anyone could pick up a teenager’s cell phone, open Twitter, scroll through their live feed and see not only funny quotes and hilarious stories, but also posts about getting wasted, smoking weed and scandalous, revealing photos of students.

“Posting pictures of yourself partaking in illegal activities is distasteful and ridiculous,” said junior Malik Johnson. “Not only does it make you look immature and ignorant, it can take a huge toll on your present and future life. Something posted on the Internet will stay there forever, there is no taking it back and there can be major consequences.”

Students become prime targets for predators and police alike. In addition, employers and colleges screen social media. By participating in social media in this way, there can be consequences not only through legal action, but also the possibility of not getting accepted into certain colleges and not getting certain jobs. Believe it or not, many college admissions boards do look at social media accounts. And posting such things seriously affects not only your future but also the present. Some high schools even watch their students’ social media sites.

“We advise students that tend to get in trouble not to post stuff on social media that could get them in trouble,” said assistant principal Mr. Hill. “Students can be suspended for what they put on social media, especially if a school conflict were to spill over to the social media.”

The temptation to use social media to post even an empty threat to fellow students, teachers or administrators could land an individual in a heap of trouble.

“I don’t do that because even if you were to delete it, it could have been screen-shotted and colleges and jobs look through that stuff,” said junior Kerstin Morley. “Even your sports coach could check your page and it could have drastic effects on your life.”

Next time you go to post something on a social media site, pause for a moment. Tapping a few buttons and posting a picture may get some laughs and only take a second, but in the long run it could greatly impact your future.