Social media and teens can be an amazing combination. Together, they can connect with friends fast and efficiently. They can “follow” helpful experts on almost any topic, and it can be an engaging learning tool. However, like so many good things, uncontrolled use or poor management can be damaging.
Parents naturally want to support their teens, and, in many cases, teens are asking for social media apps. In social media’s defense, research shows tweens and teens who spend one hour or less are generally happier than those who do not have any social media.
However, those who spend one hour or more describe themselves as unhappy and lonely. Although spending more than one hour on social media does not affect all children in the same way, certain patterns of immoderate social media use are clear.
Consider the Negative Effects of Social Media
- Distraction from homework, exercise and family events
- Fatigue from disrupted sleep
- Exposure to bias, wrong or AI created content
- Unintentionally spreading rumors and gossip
- Victim of rumor and gossip
- Formation of unrealistic expectations of life’s challenges or body images
- Exposure to cyberbullying or predators
- Exposure to risk taking and negative posts
- Posting personal information or something detrimental to social reputation, also known as stress posting
- Feelings of being “addicted”
These and other negative effects are now strongly linked to mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety. For parents, the challenge then becomes how to manage it in a way that it is helpful and not harmful. So, how do parents allow social media without their teen sliding down the slippery slope?
Read more: Creating Digital Health Guidelines for Kids and Teens
Create Social Media Guidelines for Your Teen
- Wait as long as possible before opening a social media account. Legally, they should be at least 13 years old. Wait longer, if possible.
- Block all downloads so you are aware of the apps that your child has on their phone.
- Once you decide to download an app, set up parental controls immediately.
- Regularly monitor your child’s accounts.
- Have your child use the apps in close proximity to you.
- For younger teens, if possible, set a timer on the app so it automatically shuts off after a specified time.
- Consider one of the many parental control apps. For example, Bark is a subscription that can alert you to undesirable content, as well as help you manage screen time. Find the one that best meets your needs as a family.
For more information on this topic and others regarding parenting your teen, feel free to contact the Family life Education Office at familylifeeducators@avera.org.
Learn more about children’s health care at Avera.
By the Avera Family Life Educators
