What Parents & Educators Need to Know: Memes
Memes may seem like harmless fun, but they can carry hidden risks. This guide explores how meme culture affects young people – from misinformation to inappropriate content and digital footprints.
Memes are everywhere – quick, witty, and wildly shareable. For many young people they are more than jokes, they’re a way to connect, express themselves and interpret the world. But behind the humour, there can be risks. This guide helps adults understand how memes work and why they matter to young people today.
From misinformation to insensitive jokes and permanent digital footprints, this guide highlights the potential pitfalls of meme culture. With practical tips on digital literacy, empathy and open conversations, it empowers parents and educators to help children navigate online humour in a thoughtful, safe, and respectful way.
Sources:
- https://www.demandsage.com/social-media-users/
- Shifman, L. (2014). Memes in Digital Culture. MIT Press.
- YPulse (2022). Meme Statistics: How Young People Share Memes Online. [Available via Brandwell.ai / Amra & Elma summaries of YPulse data].