The Perils Of Too Much Screen Time For Children
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, and children and teenagers are no exception. While social media can provide a sense of connection and community, it can also come with a host of challenges and risks, especially for young people. As a parent, it's important to be aware of the potential perils of social media for children and to take steps to help them navigate these challenges. As discussed elsewhere your child’s (and us as adults as well) relationship with social media can be one of the most important things that you do as a parent.
One of the main perils of social media for children is cyberbullying. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately one in three young people have experienced cyberbullying, and the effects can be devastating. Cyberbullying can include posting mean comments or rumors online, spreading harmful or embarrassing information, or excluding someone from online groups. Children who are cyberbullied may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other negative effects. Headteachers are reporting over and over again that the biggest problem that they face in schools these days, after social inequality, is on-line problems that are being brought into school. Schools also report an alarming increase in what has been termed ‘online bullying amongst girls’ and having to deal with incidents that have caused huge distress
Another peril of social media for children is the potential for online predators. Children and teenagers may be more vulnerable to online predators due to their lack of experience and judgement, and may be more likely to share personal information or meet up with someone they have only met online. Online predators can use social media to lure children into dangerous situations or to exploit them in other ways.
Social media can also have a negative impact on children's mental health. Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to negative emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Social media can also contribute to distorted perceptions of reality, as people tend to present a highly curated version of their lives online. Children and teenagers may compare themselves to others and feel inadequate or left out as a result. One study found that some children can experience symptoms close to bereavement if their post does not achieve enough ‘likes’. As with so many mental health issues, perspective is often the key. However in world where so many of us gain our perceptions from being on-line, how to ensure children have a healthy perspective can be incredibly difficult. Try to explain to your child that a few people in one environment don’t represent the views the mass majority and try to explain that participation isn’t compulsory. The same rule of thumb applies as it does for emails. Before you press ‘send’ read it over, re-read it, think about it, and then if in any doubt over its effect, don’t ‘send’. It goes without saying that you need to explain that nothing sent, pictures or text, is guaranteed to remain private.
So, what can parents do to help their children overcome the perils of social media? Here are some tips:
Set limits: It's important to set limits on your child's social media use, such as restricting the amount of time they spend on social media or the hours of the day when they are allowed to use it. This needs to be an honest conversation and it will help to maybe look up the concept of ‘Pyschology Safety’ to understand how to construct that conversation. It might also help to show them the views of many world leaders in IT, such as Bill Gates, on the matter.
Monitor your child's social media use: It's a good idea to keep an eye on your child's social media activity, especially when they are younger. This can help you identify any potential problems and address them before they escalate. Be aware that many children take their phone to bed with them and engage in social media conversations when they are meant to be asleep.
Educate your child about online safety: Teach your child about the risks of sharing personal information online, the importance of protecting their privacy, and the dangers of online predators. There are many videos on YouTube that can be really helpful in this regard.
Encourage positive online behavior: Help your child understand the importance of being kind and respectful online, and encourage them to think before they post.
Encourage real-life connections: Encourage your child to maintain face-to-face relationships and to engage in activities outside of social media.
Model healthy social media habits: As a parent, it's important to model healthy social media habits for your child. This can include setting limits on your own social media use, practicing good online etiquette, and maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Many of us face incredible time management issues in our difficult C21st lives and in can be all too easy to simply let our children be left alone to fill their own time. Try as much as you can to model good behaviour yourself and try to give your child real alternatives to fill their time. Good old fashioned sports, clubs and hobbies are often the best way of stopping them fall into over use their phones.
Overuse of social media is often essentially a form of addiction. You can seek professional advice on this matter, and we at Acadia Learning have experts in Child Pyschology who can help in this matter. In conclusion, social media can present a range of challenges and risks for children, including cyberbullying, online predators, and negative impacts on mental health. As a parent, you can help your child overcome these perils by setting limits, monitoring their social media use, educating them about online safety, encouraging positive online behavior, encouraging real-life connections, and modeling healthy social media habits. By taking these steps, you can help your child navigate the complexities of social media and make the most of its many benefits.
