By Jenna Pauli, LCSW
Youth First
For the past decade, the rise of social media has been a controversial subject, specifically regarding teens and young children. There are a growing number of social media outlets that have geared their content to young children. We are becoming aware, more and more, of the negative impacts that these outlets and apps can have on a child’s brain, self-esteem, social skills and overall mental health. Being on these sites is inevitable, but below are some ways that can help parents protect their children and limit the potential risks.
Research shows that, at the teenage age, brains are especially vulnerable to specific social media features. In looking at how a child’s brain is formed, we know that adolescent brain development begins before puberty, around the age of 10, and lasts through early adulthood. At this time, the brain is undergoing major changes, which increases the teen’s need for additional reassurance and attention from peers. On social media, this looks like being hyper-aware of the likes, comments and feedback received on one’s post; this can lead to negative self-esteem and overall negative feelings of oneself and body image. By limiting the social media apps your child can utilize, as well as limiting the amount of time they are allowed to spend on these sites, we help teens learn healthy boundaries, self-control and promote positive brain development.
Teens and young children also need direction on how to use these sites appropriately. An important step in social media for teens is sitting down and teaching them the impacts their words can have on others, as well as how others view them. Discuss trusted adults they can turn to at school and home if they notice something concerning on social media or have received an inappropriate message. Talk to your teen about the importance of privacy settings on these sites and why they should only add individuals they have met in person. Sit down with your teen and have them show you their social media regularly and discuss whose content they are seeing and the content they are posting. By having these boundaries in place and sticking to them, your teen is more likely to make positive decisions.
Another way you can help promote social media safety for your teen is by modeling this on your social media accounts. Do this by avoiding using your phone and devices during family dinners or when you are engaging in time with your family. Taking social media holidays can help ensure that your child is seeing how to prioritize family time instead of spending time on social media. Recognize the signs of social media having a negative impact on your child’s development. This could look like social media interfering with friendships, extracurricular activities and school work. It is important that teens are still seeking in-person social interactions and understand how, and the importance of, positive communication skills in person. Social media can also have a negative impact on your child’s development if it is impacting their healthy sleep hygiene, or if your child begins to lie to you about what they are doing on these sites.
There are so many wonderful connections being made with the rise of social media. We have the power of information at our fingertips and the ability to stay connected with friends and family from all across the globe. With these tips above, help your teen and young child continue to seek the good these sites can provide.
Jenna Pauli, LCSW, serves as Youth First Social Worker at Good Shepherd and Holy Redeemer Catholic schools in Evansville.