Social media has been available for over 20 years – children growing up today do not know a world without it. Whether or not they have a personal smartphone, many children use social media today. According to the New York Times, social media use by children as young as eight is higher than ever. Some experts credit at-home learning and virtual education as a reason why children became more engaged with platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. After all, the whole world seemed to be online between 2020 and 2022 – what could be the harm in giving children access to more screen time?
Interestingly, the spike in screen use was particularly pronounced among Black and brown children from low-income families. Many parents do not see an issue with children using tools and tech – especially as children can feel skillful and independent when using computers and phones, while other activities might cause stress. This dynamic makes us wonder – what are children not doing by spending so much time on social media? For one thing, they are not socializing with other people in real-time and space, and they aren’t getting access to fresh air, sunshine, and healthy exercise. They also aren’t reading, doing homework, spending time with family, or sleeping. What were once the ingredients of most children’s after-school hours – regardless of their demographic or background – have been replaced by an endless feed of digital content.
Parents Are Limited in Controlling What Their Children See
It is important to help set children up with their social media accounts, accounting for their age and any content restrictions a parent feels are appropriate. That said, there are limits to how much control a parent can have. Social media platforms can host any sort of content – some of it can be graphic or scary, and can contain material that young children are not ready to see – particularly on their own. Social media feeds can also contain sexual or pornographic content.
Even for a teen who is 13+, which is widely considered an appropriate age to begin using social media, targeted advertisements can contain misleading or manipulative information. This is particularly true for teenage girls, who are likely to view an onslaught of beauty and lifestyle advertisements that play to their tender sensitivities around their physical appearance and weight.
Risks Associated with Children on Social Media
In addition to the possibility of stumbling upon harmful or triggering content, social media poses several serious risks to children:
- Privacy and safety: Without proper care, children might end up sharing personal details that do not belong online or in a social media feed. Caution children against sharing anything personal, such as their home address, city, phone number, where they go to school, their last names, or any details about their family members and friends.
- Cyberbullying: If a child is prone to bullying, social media makes it easy for them to harass, tease, or stalk others. Cyberbullying is the most common online risk for teens and can have severe consequences, from depression and loneliness to self-harm or suicide.
- Mental health drain: Being on social media for hours daily can desensitize children and teens to positive experiences or emotions, leaving them tired and bored. Plus, comparing themselves to their friends and competing for popularity online can cause children to feel deflated and anxious.
- Physical health effects: Social media can feel addictive to many people, regardless of their age. Children are more prone than adults to forming habits and conditioning themselves to desire a particular type of reward for being online – which can lead them to spend excessive time-consuming social media content. Overuse of any screen can lead to stiffness, pain, and weakness in a person’s neck, shoulders, and hands and can cause lasting musculoskeletal damage. Excess screentime is associated with eyestrain, poor digestion, high blood pressure, and fatigue. It can also impede a person’s ability to wind down and sleep properly.
How Parents Can Promote a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
First and foremost, approaching the topic of social media with openness and honesty will set the tone for a positive relationship between children and their preferred tech. Do not punish a child for wanting to have a profile where their friends do, and stay involved in a way that lets your child know that you support their independence and respect their privacy, but that you care about their safety and wellbeing. Remind children that they should be kind and caring in their social media interactions and that they should never engage with people in a way that could be harmful or embarrassing. Encourage them to be mindful of what they post and to never share personal information. Help them configure their accounts and establish privacy settings. Ensure your children do not engage with or ‘friend’ strangers on social media.
At Maryvale, we believe in prioritizing a child’s physical and mental health. If your child has experienced negative interactions on a social media platform or has been the victim of cyberbullying, it is critical that they feel supported and are able to process their feelings. Similarly, if your child is regularly consuming content that promotes self-harm or disordered eating, don’t wait – seek help immediately. Our community-based approach to mental health makes it possible for us to connect you with experts who are equipped to care for and empower children to live resilient, happy lives.
