Navigating Kids' Digital Landscape: Balancing Social Media and Mental Well-being
By Kim Hunter-Bryant, LCSW, PMH-C, Program Manager of Mental Health Partnerships Clinical Services.
Kim leads and creates programs to promote behavioral health hope, recovery, and resilience through education and support to families of adults and youth with behavioral health challenges and training for providers and community groups.
As the summer winds down and thoughts of school move to the fore, we may be considering how to ramp down our kids’ social media usage. And with so many anxiety-inducing headlines, it’s natural to worry about what is happening to kids' minds. According to the National Institutes of Health, “the degree of social media usage in children correlates with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress level.”
Excessive social media usage has emerged as a significant concern for children's mental health and well-being. According to a Fall 2022 Pew Research Center survey of parents with children younger than 18 cited, social media use as a top concern. In that survey, four in ten U.S. parents said they’re highly apprehensive about their children struggling with anxiety or depression. As young minds immerse themselves more deeply in the digital realm, observers closely monitor their mental and emotional well-being.
The constant comparison to curated online personas, coupled with the allure of virtual validation through likes and comments, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression among children. The addictive nature of social media, designed to keep users engaged for extended periods, can disrupt healthy sleep patterns, further contributing to mood disturbances and anxiety. Furthermore, cyberbullying, a frequent occurrence on these platforms, can exacerbate the emotional distress children experience, subjecting them to hurtful comments and exclusion in an environment they find hard to escape.
Warning signs of excessive media use in children include a noticeable decline in academic performance, withdrawal from real-life social interactions, and increased irritability when not engaging with screens. Additionally, disrupted sleep patterns, neglect of other hobbies, and difficulty managing time indicate that a child's media consumption might reach problematic levels.
Parents can embrace various strategies to nurture a healthy balance between their children's social media involvement and overall well-being. Open communication is vital, as parents initiate regular conversations about the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time and the importance of real-world interactions. Implementing clear and consistent screen time limits helps establish boundaries, allowing children to engage in a diverse range of activities beyond the digital realm. Encouraging offline hobbies, sports, and creative pursuits nurtures a well-rounded lifestyle, bolstering self-esteem and reducing dependency on social media validation. Setting tech-free zones and times, such as during meals and before bedtime, supports quality sleep and promotes family interactions. Parents can equip their children with the tools to navigate the digital landscape while safeguarding their overall well-being by fostering an environment of trust, understanding, and balanced engagement.
Effective communication involves setting clear limits and framing them as a healthy lifestyle for the entire family, encouraging open discussions about the potential effects of social media with children. A non-judgmental and empathetic approach, framed by real-life examples, can provide context for understanding the broader impact. Active listening, validation of emotions, and open-ended questions foster a two-way dialogue, creating a collaborative environment where children feel valued and empowered. Parents can share their experiences with technology, acknowledging challenges, to establish common ground for responsible and mindful social media use.
It is crucial for parents to stay up-to-date with social media and develop a strategy to steer their children in the right direction. To achieve this, here are three effective methods:
Online Resources and News Outlets: Websites, blogs, and news platforms that specialize in digital parenting, online safety, and child development provide insights into the latest challenges and developments in the social media space. Subscribing to newsletters or joining online communities focused on parenting in the digital age can also provide a steady stream of relevant information.
Sites like the following regularly update content with evidence-based information:
Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parenting-resources
New York Times - Technology https://www.nytimes.com/section/technology
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org
Create a Family Media Plan: Crafting a Family Media Plan enables families to establish technology priorities within the household that hold tremendous significance and can be adjusted as needs evolve.
Attend Workshops and Webinars: Many organizations, schools, and community centers organize workshops, webinars, and seminars on digital parenting and online safety. Attending such events provides parents with up-to-date information and opportunities to ask questions and discuss with professionals and other parents.
Engage with Social Media Platforms: To understand the platforms that their children are using, parents can create their accounts on various social media platforms. This firsthand experience allows parents to explore these platforms' features, content, and potential challenges.
By combining these approaches and attending our course “A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Mental Health,” parents can stay informed and better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of social media alongside their children, promoting responsible and safe digital engagement.
Allied Family Network’s “A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Mental Health” aims to equip parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and skills to support their child's mental and emotional well-being. Through lectures, case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of childhood mental health and learn practical strategies to foster a nurturing and resilient environment for their children.