Takeaway: Adolescents with unfiltered media access are regularly exposed to inappropriate content and are at risk for developing physical, mental health, and addiction-related problems. The solution? Audit your child’s online life and set up fair, transparent, and enforceable rules for using the internet. Read More
Takeaway: Doom scrolling social media feeds can entertain your teen, make her feel socially connected, and relieve underlying anxiety. But it also quickly becomes addictive and gives adolescents a warped view of the world. The solution? Help set internet rules and encourage other healthier online and offline habits. Read More
Takeaway: Adolescents already have to deal with a lot of anxiety and depression, and social media overuse just makes things worse. It distracts them from tackling their real-world problems, interferes with them developing an identity of their own, and worries them into thinking they’re missing out on all the fun other people seem to be having. As parents, we can set limits on social media use but might need the help of specialists to tackle any underlying anxiety and depression. Read More
Takeaway: Social media and technology aren’t ‘all good’ or ‘all bad.’ And recognising this nuance makes it easier to harness their positives and sidestep their negatives. The trick is to pay attention to your teen’s needs and behaviour. When children overuse social media, games, and online activities, it’s often because they’re struggling emotionally. So, spotting and addressing your child’s stressors will do more good than battling her about screen time. Read More