The world of social media has grown exponentially in recent years and with it, so has its impact on teenagers' mental health. Social media has its pros and cons, but its ill-effects on teenagers' mental health cannot be ignored.
As parents, it is important to understand the latest research on teen use of social media and how it affects their mental health. Let’s dive into some tips for parents on how to help your teen navigate social media while keeping mental health in mind.
Pros of Social Media – It’s Not All Bad
Social media can provide much needed support and validation for teens. According to researchers, teenagers who use social media to connect with others who they perceive to be like them are less likely to feel isolated. This is especially important for teens who feels marginalized or alone in their identities.
Social media platforms also offer a space for teenagers to find support groups and forums for issues such as bullying, depression, self-harm, or sexual abuse. Social media also opens opportunities for teens to express themselves creatively, share their talents, and find similar-minded individuals.
In recent years, social media has also played a key role in social activism, providing a platform for young people to voice their opinions and make a difference in the world.
Cons of Social Media – What to Watch Out For
Despite its numerous benefits, social media has a dark side as well. Teenagers who spend hours on social media may experience increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even addiction.
Researchers indicate that the usage of social media has been linked to poor sleeping habits, inactivity, and eating disorders. Social media can also expose teenagers to cyberbullying, online harassment, cyberstalking and distorting images/realities of life. Social media, in many cases, has replaced face-to-face communication, which is a vital tool in social and emotional development.
Tips for Helping Teens Navigate Their Online World
So, with both pros and cons to consider how do you how do you determine how your teen engage with social media platforms? Here are some helpful tips for parents to help their teens navigate social media while also keeping their mental health in mind:
Set Guidelines: It is vital to set guidelines for your teen’s social media usage. Make sure you discuss the social media apps they use, the times they use them, and the content they view. One essential component to establish is that making them understand the importance of balancing online life with their real-life responsibilities like homework, hobbies, extracurricular activities, and sleep.
Understand “Fake” vs “Real”: Teenagers need to understand that the world they see through social media is not always authentic. Instagram, for example, is a highly staged platform, with carefully curated images. Talk to your teen about how to recognize what is real and what is staged. Parents can discuss negative impacts of consuming/accepting content on unrealistic body, beauty, academic achievement standards to their mental health, and how acknowledge them is vital.
Encourage Communication: Encourage your teen to communicate with you openly about any concerns they have about social media. Make it clear that they can come to talk to you without fear of lectures or judgement. Ask your teen about their life online, the content they view, and how it affects them. Show non-judgmental support and provide them facts with some researched articles if necessary.
Help in Creating a Supportive Environment: Parents should help their teens find, and create a supportive environment like a group of friends, classmates or social media groups, where they can support and rely on each other.
Monitor their online habits: Parents should keep tabs on what their teens are doing on social media. While not encouraging you to spy on your teens, it does make sense to understand who they follow, how their feeds are curated and make clear appropriate ways to share information. There are times in which even well-intentioned posts can have unintended, negative consequences. Encourage them to be cautious of what they share and take steps to protect their online privacy, like modifying settings on their profile.
Encourage Offline Hobbies: Parents should encourage their teen to engage in offline hobbies such as reading, painting, and other physically active involvement like sports, dancing, and other outdoor pursuits. It will certainly help in physical and emotional development.
Limit screen time: It’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries surrounding social media usage. Experts suggest teenagers shouldn't spend more than two hours a day on social media. As parents, encourage creative and better utilization of their leisure time rather than only resorting to your mobile screen.
Final Thoughts
Social media provides a world of opportunities for teens to connect with peers and express themselves creatively, but parents should also recognize its potential risks. While some exposure to social media seems inevitable, talking with teens regularly, and offering them resources and guidelines can go a long way to shaping their consumption habits and protecting their well-being.
Every teenager has a different kind of lifestyle and access to social media, input varies based on every individual. Nevertheless, by setting guidelines that fit in with your teen’s life and personality, parents can help their teens use social media in ways that will enhance their well-being and will help to support them in getting the most out of life.
