Whether or not you are a proponent of social media in your household, it is bound to play a significant role in the lives of your children and teenagers. A report by Pew Research Center found that 81% of teens aged 13-17 in the United States use social media, with 71% using more than one platform. The average age at which children in the United States get their first smartphone is around 10.3 years old. Despite this, almost 70% of parents are concerned about the impact of social media on their children’s mental health. Their worry is not without cause – studies show that social media use is associated with increased feelings of social isolation, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among adolescents.
Setting The Stage for Social Media Use
While social media offers opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning, it also presents challenges and risks. As parents, guiding children in responsibly navigating social media is essential. The foundation of helping children navigate social media begins with open and honest communication. Start conversations early about the benefits and potential risks of social media. Encourage children to talk openly about their experiences, concerns, and questions and listen actively without judgment.
As with any privilege, social media use should come with rules. It is up to parents to set age-appropriate limits on screen time, establish guidelines for what platforms are suitable for their child’s age, and discuss privacy settings and online safety practices. Be sure to teach children about online safety practices such as protecting personal information, being cautious about sharing photos and location data, recognizing and reporting inappropriate content or behavior, and avoiding interactions with strangers. Emphasize the importance of privacy settings and encourage children to think critically about the content they consume and share online.
Play An Active Role in Your Child’s Online Experience
While it is fair to grant some independence, it’s essential for parents to monitor and supervise their child’s social media activity, especially for younger children. Familiarize yourself with the platforms your child uses, follow their accounts, and periodically check their interactions, posts, and messages. Use parental controls and monitoring apps to track online behavior and address concerns proactively.
Show your child that you are savvy and thoughtful by modeling effective, healthy social media behaviors. Encourage children to use social media as a platform for positive interactions, creativity, and learning. Discuss the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect in online interactions, and discourage cyberbullying, gossiping, or engaging in harmful behavior. Encourage children to think before they post and consider the impact of their words and actions online.
Be Aware of the Most Serious Risks for Teens on Social Media
Difficult as it can be to foresee the worst possible scenario, the risks teens face on social media are of a very high magnitude. One of the most significant risks for teens on social media is cyberbullying, which involves using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or harm others. This can include spreading rumors, sharing hurtful comments or images, or excluding someone from online groups. Cyberbullying can have severe consequences for teens’ mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. As a parent, you can be proactive in addressing cyberbullying and online harassment if your child experiences or witnesses such behavior. Teach them strategies for dealing with cyberbullying, such as blocking or reporting the bully, saving evidence, and seeking support from trusted adults. Remind your child often that they can come to you for help and support.
Additionally, social media provides a platform for online predators to target and groom vulnerable teens. Predators may use fake profiles or deceptive tactics to establish relationships with teens and manipulate them into sharing personal information, engaging in inappropriate behavior, purchasing illicit substances, or meeting in person. Parents and teens should be vigilant about online interactions and report any suspicious or concerning behavior to authorities.
Perhaps one of the best safeguards parents can provide for teens is to emphasize the importance of offline activities and balance in teens’ lives. Encourage hobbies, physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and quality family time away from screens. Help children understand that social media is just one aspect of their lives and that offline experiences are equally valuable and enriching.
By fostering open communication and playing an active role in their children’s lives, parents can help their children navigate social media with confidence, resilience, and mindfulness. If you suspect that social media has led to a mental health disorder, seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. At Maryvale, we take digital wellness seriously and work with a community of practitioner partners to ensure that the teens and families in our community have access to comprehensive mental health care.
