Social media is commonplace for kids and adolescents these days, but what are the mental health risks involved and how can parents help their children steer clear of these issues?

The risks

While social media can have benefits, including exposure to new ideas, easy consumption of news and increased opportunities for social interaction, it can also have negative impacts on the mental health of developing minds, especially for teenagers.

While research is evolving, some theories suggest social media can inhibit personal and social identity formation, increase social comparison or comparing one’s self to others, and pose an increased risk for anxiety and depression.

In a recent study, prominent risk factors for depression, anxiety and psychological distress included time spent on social media, as well as the level of activity, such as the number of accounts and frequency of checking messages, and addictive or problematic use.

The signs

Your child may begin to act differently if they’re experiencing cyberbullying, spending too much time on their devices, talking to strangers online or becoming insecure after comparing themselves to others. Look out for these things: 

• Rapid increase or decrease in device use
• Emotional response to what is happening on the device
• Hiding a device or avoiding discussion about activity on the device
• Withdrawal, depression, losing interest in people and activities, avoiding social situations
• Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear

How parents can help

Start by finding out what types and how much social media your child is using. Then, use the following recommendations to put healthy and safe guidelines in place.

1. Limit screen time

Review your child’s amount of screen time and put limits in place. The American Heart Association recommends between an hour or two of screen time per day for kids and teens.

2. Encourage quality vs. quantity

Monitoring and managing social media and technology use is not just about the amount of time spent but also the type of content being viewed and consumed. Suggest engaging with platforms that connect and educate, and less time on platforms that entertain and can potentially hurt or limit your child.

3. Set media-free times and places

Plan media-free times as a family to engage in activities promoting well-being. Your family can discuss and decide on media-free places in your home, such as bedrooms. Parents can also discourage entertainment media while doing homework.

4. Talk about online citizenship

Speak to your child about treating others with respect online. Address key issues, such as how to avoid cyberbullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitations and safeguarding their privacy.

5. Turn writing a smartphone contract into a lesson

Consider making a cellphone contract between you and your child outlining the expectations for device use. A sample contract could read: “I do not own this phone; my parents are giving me the privilege of using this phone. I will take care of this phone and work hard to earn this privilege. I will not use this in an inappropriate way.”

Creating this contract can be an educational opportunity. You can use outlining a contract together as a way to discuss healthy screen time habits and digital behavior, such as the importance of not texting and driving and following phone policies at school. You can also be transparent about how and when parents will monitor use.

6. Set a good example

Turn off the TV and put your phone away during media-free times with your family.

Concerned about your child or want to learn more about family mental health? Find information and resources at https://www.burrellcenter.com/