A New Year's Resolution Around Social Media Use
From wanting to eat healthier and exercise more, to finding more time to relax or taking up a new hobby, January seems to be the time of year that we all look for ways to improve ourselves. This year, what if you consider looking at how your family uses social media, and more specifically, how your children and teens interact with social media?
Understanding the Challenges of Social Media for Parents
In December 2024, the AAP News (American Academy of Pediatrics) published an article on this topic. A big challenge for parents is knowing the world of social media. There is so much to consider – setting up time limits or do-not-disturb settings on phones and tablets; how to block or filter content based on age; understanding public vs. private accounts – just to name a few.
Tools to Help You Learn About Digital Media
To learn about current social media terminology and how to set up security settings for your child, check out the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, developed by the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Additionally, there are suggestions for curating applications, like Discord, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter).
How Screen Time Affects Children and Teens
We know that tweens and teens who do not get enough quality sleep are more likely to have problems with academics, anxiety and depression. In addition, this article published in Infectious Diseases in Children and In Healio News talks about the harmful effects that screen time has on children and teens. Did you know? Children who are in front of screens for longer periods of time are more likely to experience cyberbullying, and have poorer mental health when compared to children with less screen time.
Building Parent Confidence and Starting Conversations Early
As a parent or guardian, consider looking at the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms a few times before you consider yourself well-versed in social media. Also, once you feel more confident and familiar with social media, consider talking with your younger children as they approach their tween years. This may be your chance to instill some positive decision-making in them.
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