By Jenna DeRosa
The Emotional Impact Social Media
If you ask any teenager how social media impacts their life, most will tell you, positively. It is the primary access to their social world. It allows them to feel more connected to their friends. In fact, 91% of young people use the internet for social networking.
For all the positives teens list, many question the additional pressures of keeping up with the 24/7 onslaught of social messages. Studies have been conducted on the impact of social media platforms on teen’s health and wellbeing.
Many of these studies find that Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as many other apps, all led to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image and loneliness. Vulnerable teens have more drastic effects from social media. They are more likely to say social media makes them lonely or depressed.
How do I Help my Teen Navigate Social Media?
Establish specific rules with teenager early and often
Set Boundaries
- Determine how much time is allowed on devices
- Determine which Apps are acceptable and which will be off limits
- Turn in devices at bedtime
- Devices to be put away during family time
- Parent will randomly monitor the device
Age appropriate limits
- Time on devices
- Apps allowed may increase by age, maturity, trust and level of responsibility
Provide a safe outlet for open communication
- Talk about current events in social media
- Ask questions about what they see on social media
- Ask what emotions they have about social media.
- Help them problem solve dilemma’s that are presented through social media
What Red Flags Should I look for?
Common areas that social media can negatively impact a teen include, self esteem, body image, emotions, bullying, and relationships. Regardless, the symptoms you are likely to see can be concerning and at times down right scary!
If you are noticing a significant increase in the these, have a conversation with your teen about cutting down on their tech time. You may also want to speak to a counselor for assistance in developing coping skills to help navigate the impact.
- Loneliness
- Fatigue or excess sleep
- Isolation
- Lack of concentration
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Ruminating thoughts
- Agitation and crying
- Hyperventilation
- Stress
- Substance use
The following books offer great information on helping your teen participate in social media wisely:
The Teens Guide to Social Media…and Mobile Devices: 21 tips to Wise Posting in an Insecure World
It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
Sex, Likes and Social Media: Talking to our teens in the digital age
Social Media Wellness: Helping Tweens and Teens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World
