INDIANA – The popularity of social media and its negative effect on children have become controversial subjects. A growing number of social media platforms are targeting very young children.
We are becoming more aware of the negative impacts these outlets and apps can have on a child’s brain, self-esteem, social skills, and overall mental health. It’s probably inevitable that your child will spend time on social media, but you should definitely encourage good social media hygiene to protect them and limit the potential risks.
Research shows that teen brains are especially vulnerable to specific social media features. When looking at how a child’s brain forms, we know that adolescent brain development begins before puberty, around the age of 10, and lasts through early adulthood. During this time, the brain is undergoing major changes, which increases a teen’s need for additional reassurance and attention from peers.
On social media, teens this age are hyper-aware of the likes, comments, and feedback on their posts; this can lead to negative self-esteem and overall negative feelings about themselves and their 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 can help teens learn healthy boundaries and self-control while promoting positive brain development.
Teens and young children also need specific guidance on how to use these sites appropriately. An important step is teaching children the impact their words can have on others, as well as how others view them. It’s also essential to identify trusted adults they can turn to at school and at home if they notice something concerning on social media or have received an inappropriate message.
Discuss the importance of privacy settings on these sites and why your child should only add individuals they have met in person. Have them show you their social media accounts regularly. Discuss what they see as well as the content they are posting. By having these boundaries in place and sticking to them, your child is more likely to make positive decisions.
Another important way you can help promote social media safety for your child is by modeling this on your own social media accounts. Avoid using your phone and devices when you are engaged with your family, such as during family dinners. Taking “social media holidays” can help ensure your child learns how to prioritize family time over spending time on social media. Recognize when social media is negatively affecting your child’s development. If social media is interfering with friendships, extracurricular activities, or schoolwork, boundaries need to be developed and enforced.
It is important that children are still seeking in-person social interactions and developing positive communication skills. Social media is also harming your child’s development if it is impacting their sleep or if your child lies 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 all over the world. With the tips above, you can help your child enjoy the positive benefits and avoid the pitfalls of social media.
Jenna Pauli, MSW, LCSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
