Take Charge of Your Health Today. Be Informed. Be Involved…Social media and LGBTQ+ youth

CARLOS T. CARTER& The Community Health Series Partnership (CHSP) is turning its spotlight on how social media affects Black youth in the LGBTQ+ community — including how to help teens who’ve been victimized online. Carlos T. Carter, President and CEO of the Urban League of Pittsburgh, joins us with his thoughts, including strategies for navigating social media safely. Q: Thanks for joining us again, Carlos. Many teens today use social media to build relationships and communities, which can be positive. But there’s also potential harm, especially for groups like LGBTQ+ youth. What should younger teens and parents focus on online?Carlos: Online harassment is a real concern. Some people target minorities, so it’s crucial for youth to manage privacy settings, use blocking features, and know how to report issues on apps. They should feel comfortable reaching out to trusted adults or friends if something troubling happens.Black LGBTQ+ youth face compounded risks due to both their sexual and racial identities, making them targets for bullying. It’s vital for them to find supportive communities online and offline where they feel safe and understood. Access to mental health resources like counseling is also essential.Building online relationships requires caution. Not everyone online has good intentions,...