Practical Parenting: Social Media - Friend or Foe?

Social media is an integral part of teenagers’ lives. Approximately 95% of teens use some form of social media as a platform for self-expression, communication, and connection. However, recent studies indicate a concerning rise in mental health issues among teenagers, including suicide, depression, and loneliness, which have been linked to excessive social media use. This alarming trend has prompted experts, including Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, to label social media for teens as a crisis.

In a thought-provoking episode of "Practical Parenting," Dr. Terry Nguyen, Chair of Pediatrics at GBMC, and Krystina Wales delve into the complex relationship between social media and teenage mental health. And explore the role of parents in empowering their children to become mindful consumers of social media.

One key takeaway from the episode is the importance of teaching kids to be detectives of their social media use. Instead of being passive consumers, children should learn to ask critical questions before engaging with social media. By encouraging these detective-like inquiries, parents can help their children develop a sense of intentionality and self-awareness when it comes to social media consumption.

Fact-checking is another crucial skill that parents should impart to their children. In an era of rampant misinformation, it is essential to teach kids how to verify the credibility of the content they encounter on social media. Just as they would question statements heard on TV or the radio, they should learn to apply the same critical thinking skills to information shared on social media platforms. By promoting fact-checking, parents can equip their children with the tools to distinguish truth from falsehood and navigate the digital landscape more effectively.

Parents themselves face the challenge of navigating social media while guiding their children. Many parents did not grow up with social media and may feel ill-equipped to understand its complexities. However, to effectively support their children, it is crucial for parents to educate themselves about social media platforms, their functionalities, and their potential impact. By staying informed, parents can better understand their children's experiences and model healthy behaviors, striking a balance between utilizing social media for its benefits and avoiding its potential drawbacks.

Finding this balance is key, as social media has the potential to both connect and disconnect individuals. On one hand, social media provides a platform for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, to find support and connect with like-minded individuals. However, excessive social media use can create feelings of isolation and inadequacy, as people tend to present an idealized version of their lives online. This discrepancy between reality and curated online personas can negatively impact teenagers' self-esteem and sense of belonging. Thus, it is essential for parents to have open conversations with their children about their feelings when using social media, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection.

While there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach to determining the appropriate age for social media use, parents can rely on their knowledge of their child's social maturity, cognitive development, and frustration tolerance. Introducing social media as a tool for connection and communication while setting boundaries and fostering emotional regulation skills can help children navigate the digital world responsibly.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• How to Break Up With Your Phone, by Catherine Price
• Common Sense Media

Dr. Nguyen recently did a social media detox of her own. Read more about her experience and results.

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