Social media is like an online playground for kids these days. It’s where they can express themselves, be creative and learn about anything under the sun. From discovering facts about space that are out of this world to learning techniques on how to draw their favorite characters to understanding step-by-step how to make the best chocolate chip cookie — it’s an endless adventure right at their fingertips.
But just like any playground, there are some areas that aren’t so fun. From the pressure to look perfect like the influencers they follow to nonstop scrolling, social media can pose risks to your child’s well-being.
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How social media can make your child feel
There’s a world of excitement in the online playground, and even though it can bring your child joy, it can also impact their mental health in a not-so-joyful way. Constant exposure to filtered images of “perfect” lives can sometimes make children feel like they don’t fit in.
This could lead to feelings of:
Increased risk of anxiety, stress and depression: Most of the time people only show the best parts of their life on social media. This can trick your child into thinking they’re not good enough or missing out on something. From the pressure to buy the most popular skincare to their fear of missing out on the latest dance challenge at recess, social media can sometimes provide a wave of emotions for children. You can help lower the pressure of social media by helping them focus on their own unique strengths and interests.
Negative effects on a child’s self-esteem and body image: Social media’s endless catalog of photos, influencers and advertisements has a powerful impact on your child. Just think of what it was like when you were their age. Flipping through Cosmopolitan and Vogue probably made you feel like you needed to have a particular outfit or hairstyle to be considered “cool.” With social media, it’s like children have access to thousands of magazines right at their fingertips, giving them more than enough content to compare themselves to. Chasing after high standards can bring them down and could even trigger unhealthy eating habits. Encourage them to embrace their individuality and remind them true beauty shines from within.
Disrupted sleep patterns and physical health: Staying up late while scrolling on their phone can wreak havoc on their sleep. The glowing screens emit blue light that tricks their brains into thinking it’s daytime and can make it tough to fall asleep. Lack of sleep (and growing teens need more sleep) can make your teenager more vulnerable to sickness and make them feel sluggish the next day. Consider setting screen time limits and swapping out their phone with a book that piques their interest.
As parents, it’s important to understand the risks of social media and take proactive steps to protect your child no matter their age. Encouraging healthy social media habits, setting screen time limits and having open conversations about body image and self-esteem can help protect your child’s well-being.
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How to practice online safety with your child
As social media platforms are becoming more and more popular, keeping your child safe online is more important now than ever.
There are several ways you can promote online safety for your child:
- Monitor online activity: Use parental controls to monitor your child’s online activity by restricting access to inappropriate content, tracking their internet usage and setting screen time limits.
- Keep accounts private: Educate them about the potential dangers of sharing personal information and the importance of controlling who can see their posts on their social media accounts.
- Think twice: Encourage them to think twice before posting or sharing something that could potentially harm or offend themselves or others.
- Have open conversations: Establish an open line of communication with your child. Encourage them to talk to you if they encounter issues online.
Recognizing signs of cyberbullying is essential for providing timely support. This might include:
Shifts in emotional and physical behavior: This could include mood swings, irritability, sadness, sudden outbursts of anger, headaches or stomachaches.
Loss of interest in activities: Your child might lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or in social interactions with friends and family. They may suddenly want to spend more time alone in their room and avoid social gatherings altogether.
Not wanting to go to school: Pay attention to a decline in grades or a lack of interest in school altogether. Encourage them to talk about their day by asking how school was and what was their favorite thing they learned that day.
Teaching your child responsible online behavior can go a long way in creating a safe online environment and preventing cyberbullying. If you suspect your child is being targeted, reassure them they are not alone and you are there to support them.
The academic impact social media has on your child
Social media isn’t just about cat memes and dance challenges. Did you know it’s also a gold mine for educational content? There are several resources that can benefit your child’s academic performance in various subjects like math, reading, science and history. From educational videos about the periodic table of elements to reading discussions about Shakespeare, these platforms provide an abundance of tools to enhance your child’s learning experience. They can even serve as inspiration boards, which can spark ideas and creativity for school assignments.
Nevertheless, as with any good thing, balance is key. Despite social media’s academic advantages, finding a healthy balance between screen time and study time is essential. Establishing a quiet and distraction-free study environment helps your child create productive study habits and improves their academic performance.
When to reach out to a pediatrician about your child’s social media use
Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, mood or physical well-being that may indicate distress. If you notice your child has separated themselves, is having trouble paying attention in school or demonstrates signs of anxiety or depression, it’s important to consider seeking help from your child’s pediatrician.
Regular annual physicals can help their doctor evaluate emotional well-being, including anxiety, depression and stress. Your child’s primary care provider can offer referrals to mental health professionals who can provide support if necessary. Pediatricians can also help create healthy boundaries for social media engagement to help promote a balanced online experience.
Explore online resources for additional guidance and valuable insights. There are websites, forums and online communities dedicated to offering mental health and parenting advice. Additionally, encouraging your child to spend time doing offline activities such as reading, drawing, riding their bike or playing soccer can provide a healthy outlet for stress.
Dr. David K. McIntosh is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and provides primary care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. He is a skilled diagnostician and enjoys motivating his patients toward addressing their own individual health needs. He especially enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, promoting both physical and emotional health as they mature. He is an advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community. During his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping. In addition to being a physician, he’s also an Episcopal priest and spiritual counselor in Northwest Connecticut.
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