Although most social media platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13, a recent survey revealed that 50% of children between 10 and 12 years old and 33% of children aged 7 to 9 are already using social media apps, according to parents. It is imperative to have a chat with your child about social media if they are already using it or have expressed a desire to do so. You should also create clear rules and standards and highlight that social media frequently shows an idealized view of someone’s life. Dr. Eshleman argues that although social media makes it simple to compare people, most people design their online personas to highlight what they want others to see. Additionally, she notes that social media gives us instant access to an endless amount of information, which may be difficult for kids to manage (Eshleman, 2021).
Impact on children
Certain professionals express concerns about the potential negative effects of social media and texting on teenagers, including increased anxiety and reduced self-esteem. Social media interaction is quite different from face-to-face conversation since it is devoid of essential cues like body language and facial emotions. This absence increases the sense of fear associated with face-to-face interactions and can lead to misunderstandings and emotional suffering. Additionally, it’s usual for teenagers to doubt their abilities when they contrast them with seemingly perfect online avatars. Teenagers frequently design their own internet presence with carefully chosen images that provide a flawless image in an effort to make up for this. However, when their digital identity fails to align with their true feelings, it can exacerbate their negative emotions (Ehmke, 2023).
Good and bad
The utilization of social media can yield both positive and negative outcomes for individuals, particularly children. Research was conducted at the Cyberpsychology Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, which has shed light on the significance of social media in terms of emotional support, community formation, and self-expression among adolescents. It was also shown that it might be harmful to one’s mental health and general wellbeing. Various difficulties and potential negative effects related to social media usage have been found via discussions with young adolescents, their parents, and instructors. These effects encompass increased time spent online, alterations in behavior due to the fear of peer judgment, sensory overload, and more severe cognitive and emotional consequences, such as attention difficulties, stress, and anxiety. The formation of stress, anxiety, despair, and addictive behaviors has been related to excessive screen use. For infants under the age of two, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen usage, and for children ages two to five, they recommend a daily limit of one hour. Additionally, during this recommended screen time, users should interact with excellent content, especially instructive stuff. Although it’s unknown what exactly young children are consuming on social media, it is unlikely to be of a high standard and might perhaps be harmful to their wellbeing (Kuss, 2022).
Social media affects health.
Another aspect of concern pertains to the potential consequences of excessive social media use on the sleep patterns of young individuals, which is crucial for their healthy development. Insufficient sleep has been associated with negative impacts on academic performance, attention difficulties, challenges in stress regulation, and an increased risk of automobile accidents. Additionally, neuroscientific research has indicated that irregular sleep schedules during adolescence can lead to structural changes in brain development, suggesting that youth’s preoccupation with technology and social media might adversely affect the size of their brains. However, the picture is not entirely bleak. Some research highlights the positive outcomes associated with social media use, which can have beneficial effects on the mental health of young individuals. According to Prinstein, psychological studies indicate that young people are able to form and maintain meaningful friendships online, often with a more diverse peer group compared to offline interactions. These relationships can provide valuable support during times of stress and are particularly significant for young individuals with marginalized identities, including those from racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority backgrounds (Mills, 2023).
How to support children
To ensure the safety of their children, parents must remain vigilant regarding the negative impacts of social media. A valuable approach to providing guidance is to emphasize that social media is merely a tool for connecting with others, rather than the sole defining aspect of their existence. It is also essential to educate children about the safety features embedded within social media applications, empowering them to take necessary precautions when interacting with others. It is crucial to avoid resorting to scare tactics, as they can potentially traumatize the child (Harini Santhosh, 2015).
Reference
Ehmke, R. (2023). How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers. [online] Child Mind Institute. Available at: https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/#:~:text=How%20does%20social%20media%20affect%20teenagers [Accessed 24 May 2023]
Eshleman, K. (2021). Effects of Social Media on Children. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dangers-of-social-media-for-youth/ [Accessed 24 May 2023]
Harini Santhosh (2015). Positive And Negative Effects Of Social Media On Children. [online] MomJunction. Available at: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/negative-effects-of-social-media-on-children_00353633/ [Accessed 24 May 2023]
Kuss, D. (2022). How social media affects children at different ages – and how to protect them. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/how-social-media-affects-children-at-different-ages-and-how-to-protect-them-180374 [Accessed 24 May 2023]
Mills, K. (2023). APA Chief Scientist Outlines Potential Harms, Benefits of Social Media For Kids. [online] Apa.org. Available at: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/harms-benefits-social-media-kids [Accessed 24 May 2023]
