GREEN BAY — In recent years, the impact of social media on children and adolescents has become a growing concern for parents, educators and health professionals. The Surgeon General has recently declared that the rise of social media use among youth poses significant risks to their mental health and well-being. As children navigate this digital landscape, it is crucial for parents to engage actively with their child's exposure to social media.
Dr. Tiffany Born, Pediatric Psychologist with Emplify Health at Bellin, emphasizes the importance of parental involvement.
“Social media is not all good or all bad and villainizing social media altogether can alienate our children,” says Dr. Born. “Social media offers opportunities for connection, learning, and sharing with others. However, the comparisons and pressures that come along with social media can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation when children compare their everyday lives and selves to the highlight reel. Parents can connect with their children to understand and guide their online experiences.”
To help parents navigate this complex issue, here are three tips to engage with their child's exposure to social media:
Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about social media use. Ask your child about their favorite platforms, the content they engage with, and how it makes them feel. Avoid dismissing your child’s interests and feelings. Creating a safe space for dialogue can help children express their thoughts and concerns.
Set Boundaries Together: Work with your child to establish healthy boundaries around social media use. This can include setting time limits, discussing appropriate content and agreeing on privacy settings. Involving your child in this process fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership.
Model Healthy Behavior: Children often mimic the behavior of adults. By modeling healthy social media habits, such as limiting screen time and prioritizing face-to-face interactions, parents can set a positive example for their children to follow.
Dr. Born adds, “our children often know more about social media and various platforms than we do as adults. Collaborating with our children in an engaged and supportive manner will assist us in helping our children navigate social media in a healthier ways.”
As the conversation around social media and its effects on youth continues, it is vital for parents to take an active role in their children's online lives. By fostering open communication, setting boundaries and modeling healthy behavior, parents can help mitigate the risks associated with social media exposure.
For more information or if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, please call the Emplify Health at Bellin Behavioral & Mental Health team at (920) 433-3630. Additionally, the National Suicide Hotline is available 24/7 at 988.