Kate Henshaw Advocates Responsible Social Media Use, Urges Appreciation of Parents, Teachers

Funmi Ogundare

Award-winning Nigerian actress and social advocate, Kate Henshaw, Wednesday appealed to students to deliberately appreciate the sacrifices of their parents and teachers, warning that unchecked exposure to social media and cyberbullying poses serious risks to young people in today’s digital age.

Henshaw made the appeal while delivering the Chrisland Schools End-of-Year lecture, titled ‘Appreciating Parents and Teachers’ Investments within Modern Day Distractions’.

She explained that while technology and mobile phones have become dominant forces in modern life, many parents consciously delay their children’s exposure to these tools until they believe they are matured enough to handle them responsibly.

Speaking directly to the students, Henshaw noted that the lecture was centred on recognising the devotion of parents, guardians and teachers who constantly guide young people through an increasingly complex world.

She said while social media can be useful for communication and learning, it also exposes children to dangers such as cyberbullying and misinformation, which require vigilance and discernment.

“In a world where technology is literally taking over what we do, you must be careful about the information you consume,” she said, adding that students should learn to see through what they receive online.

According to her, this is why the roles of parents and teachers remain critical, as they help provide structure, values and guidance.

Describing the students as bright, eager and full of energy, Henshaw acknowledged that young people today face challenges that previous generations did not encounter while growing up.

She recalled that her own childhood was free from the pressures of social media and constant digital engagement, noting that adults are still learning how to adapt to the fast-evolving digital world.

The actress reminded the students that although there would come a time when they would be fully responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow, the present moment was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the care and investment already made in them through their academic journey.

“Young people will always need a community that invests in them and gives them the right tools to step into the world and contribute positively to humanity,” she said.

As the school year draws to a close, Henshaw congratulated the students for successfully navigating another academic session despite the challenges of the times, expressing confidence that they would continue to succeed in the years ahead.

She urged them to remain grateful. “Appreciate your parents, appreciate your teachers, and appreciate God,” she said, calling gratitude a key foundation for personal growth and future success.

Speaking to journalists, the Director of Schools, Chrisland, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye, explained that the lecture was designed to help young people better understand the realities and risks of social media, particularly as they head into the Christmas holidays when access to mobile devices and online platforms typically increases.

Akinyeye explained that the decision to invite Henshaw was deliberate, noting that young people often relate more easily to public figures they admire online.

“It is important that young adults see and hear from personalities they look up to on social media, not just through videos, but in person,” she stated.

“Having someone like Kate in school helps to demystify the social media and celebrity world that many of them aspire to.”

She added that Henshaw delivered a strong message on the difference between genuine relationships and online popularity, urging students to reflect on who their real friends are beyond the thousands or millions of followers they may have on social media.

The programme, which targeted Senior Secondary School one and two students, was organised as part of Chrisland’s end-of-year activities, while SS3 students were absent due to examinations.

According to Akinyeye, the goal was to ensure students carried the lessons home during the holiday period.

“We hope that the message continues to ring in their minds as they spend more time on social media over the holidays,” she added.

Addressing concerns about teenage exposure online, the director of schools noted that although many adolescents may appear mature, their brains are still developing, making them highly susceptible to appearances rather than facts.

“Young people are vulnerable because their minds often process what they see as reality,” she said, referencing Australia’s recent move to restrict social media access.

“While Nigeria may not take such a step, parents should take a cue and impose their own restrictions.”

On measures put in place by Chrisland to curb misuse of social media, she acknowledged that experimentation is part of adolescence, but stressed that adults must provide structure and guidance.

“Teenagers will always misuse social media to some extent. What we owe them is education, protection and clear boundaries,” she said.

Akinyeye outlined a comprehensive approach adopted by the school, combining continuous digital literacy education with technological safeguards.

These include regular advocacy through assemblies and classroom engagements, counselling for students who breach digital rules, and three layers of technical protection.

She said all student devices are equipped with antivirus software and content filters to block harmful sites, while additional filters are installed on the school’s server.

Further restrictions also prevent students from bypassing controls on their devices without adult supervision.

She emphasised the importance of parental involvement, noting that many parents are unaware of the evolving dangers of the digital world.

“Many parents will not give their child a car without teaching them how to drive, yet they hand over phones and place children on the social media highway without guidance,” she said. “That is just as dangerous.”

Akinyeye stressed that protecting children online requires collaboration between schools and parents to ensure young people develop healthy habits and responsible attitudes towards social media.