HealthDay reporter
THURSDAY, January 13, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Does your teenager watch his smartphone all day? There are many things parents can do to protect children from the potential negative effects of social media, experts say.
Although social media has positive aspects, there is evidence that it can pose risks to the mental health of teenagers due to problems such as harassment, body image concerns and other social pressures.
“The reality is that social media is part of the world we live in, and it won’t go away,” said Marie Radzik, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Adolescent and Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
“We can’t just take our children’s phones or computers. “It’s about understanding how we can guide them to use and navigate these tools,” Rajik said in a statement from the hospital.
Some signs of social media problems in teens include mood swings, eating and sleeping habits, and isolation in their room. In such cases, parents may want to start a discussion about their teenager’s use of social media by using “I” instead of “you,” Radzik suggested.
Instead of saying, “You’re too much on Instagram and that’s bad for you,” try, “I noticed that and I’m really worried.” Can we talk about this? ”If your teen doesn’t want to talk right now, let him know you’ll be there when he’s ready.
“The abuse will shut down a young man,” Rajik said. “Or sometimes parents will rummage through their child’s social media accounts and it can feel invasive. The approach must come from a place of care and concern, not from something punitive or accusatory. “
Parents should check frequently and pay attention to their teenagers’ use of the media, said Sarah Voyer, a senior social worker in the psychiatry ward at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Parents may want to ask their teens how they use social media – whether they share updates with their friends, follow certain celebrities or influential people, or seek some advice or help – and how they feel when they use them, Voyer said.
If you’re sure that social media is affecting your teen’s mental health, suggest that he or she take a break or even delete his or her account.
“There are some children who can interrupt the cycle, and sometimes it is necessary for the parent to help with that,” Rajik said.
Before a child can use social media, parents need to set parameters, according to Radzik.
“It can be problematic when children get regular access to mobile phones at an early age,” she said. “I understand the need to use it sometimes, especially age-appropriate material. But as parents, we need to foster curiosity about the world around us and use creative tools instead of relying on social media all the time. ”
More information
For more information on children and the media, see the American Academy of Pediatrics.
SOURCE: Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, news release, January 10, 2022.