As noted in recent months, social media platforms can have a profound impact on our lives.

They can be a beacon of truth in places like Russia where the media, and the truth are silenced by oppressive governments.

They help shine light on the local government when citizens who cannot make it to their local municipal or school board meetings can still watch a livestream telecast.

And they can genuinely help those in need. In recent years GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to raise funds for those in need, like families who lost their possessions in a fire or individuals with overwhelming medical expenses.

We’ve also seen the ugly side of social media: cyber bullying, the deliberate spread of false information and TikTok challenges that encourage vandalism, acts of malice, or worse.

There were several recent incidents in the Pine Bush School District where ugly incidents were captured by video and shared on local social media sites.

Administrators reported that they discovered several of these sites that encouraged fighting and encouraged viewers to record and post videos. Pine Bush administrators are reaching out to parents and asking them to have a conversation with their child about the negative impact that social media is having on this situation, and warning them that simply sharing the videos among friends and family is also promoting this bad behavior.

There’s a legitimate cause for concern. Parents should know what their children are doing in and outside of school. That extends to social media platforms and what their children are posting online.

A good family conversation at the dinner table is in order.