Beth Nahrain Organization for Women hosts symposium on social media’s impact on families and society

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a bid to empower women and strengthen their roles across various sectors, the Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW) organized a symposium in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah) titled Social Media Programs and Their Effects on the Individual, Family, and Society.

The event was moderated by Bushra Mikhail, BNOW Baghdede Regional Coordinator, and her deputy, Nisreen Hazem, with around 29 women from the community participating. Discussions focused on the impacts of social media, examining both the individual and collective effects on family dynamics, mental and physical health, thought processes, and educational outcomes.

While the symposium acknowledged the potential positives of social media when used responsibly, the discussion highlighted the importance of balancing its benefits against its risks. Participants shared opinions and suggestions on minimizing negative effects and maximizing positive outcomes, with an emphasis on fostering healthier interactions with technology.

In concluding remarks, attendees recommended practical steps, such as setting screen-time limits, encouraging parental monitoring, and promoting awareness of the types of content accessed by children and young users.