Parents are becoming more aware that excessive time on social media can harm children and teens' mental health. Research has identified three key strategies for parents to protect their teens. Let's explore these in detail.
Protecting Kids' Mental Health in the Digital Age
Fostering a High-Quality Relationship with Your Teen
According to the 2024 APA report on teens and social media, those with high-quality relationships with their parents showed better mental health. When setting limits, it's crucial for kids to feel heard and respected. Clearly communicate that you value their perspectives while retaining the final decision-making authority.Recognize the value of social media. Kids are drawn to it for reasons beyond just entertainment. The 2023 U.S. surgeon general's social media advisory highlighted benefits such as providing positive community and self-expression opportunities. For kids with minority identities, it can be a fun and supportive space.Have ongoing conversations with your child about social media. Start as early as age eight as many kids start using it then. Ask them about their interests, friends' usage, likes, dislikes, and any negative experiences. Acknowledge both the good and your own usage. Be clear about your rules and reasoning. For more help, the AAP offers a family media plan toolkit.Form connections around social media. Kids are more likely to share problems if they've shared good moments. For example, my son enjoys watching YouTube shorts with me to update me on his experiences.A High Level of Parental Supervision
The APA report on teens and social media found that those with better mental health had a high level of parental supervision. Many parents have the misconception that saying 'no' is bad, but research suggests that setting limits and coaching kids on usage leads to better outcomes.For parents who find it difficult, remember that safety comes first. The APA reported that 60% of teens with the most social media use had low parental monitoring and weak relationships, along with poor mental health. 22% reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm.Supervise your kids' social media accounts. Explain that it's a public space and you have the right to follow and check their posts. It's not a privacy violation. If it still feels invasive, remember that online companies are already collecting data.Set age limits. Experts recommend no social media accounts under age 13. While some parents make exceptions like Facebook Kids, close supervision is key. Know which platforms your child is using and be aware of their potential harms.For example, Instagram and Snapchat focus on perfect appearances and can harm teenage girls' body image. TikTok can create filter bubbles that may encourage negative behaviors. YouTube's algorithm also has its issues.Be aware of the "Finsta" phenomenon where kids set up fake profiles. Teens may help each other make them look real.Setting Time Limits for Your Child's Social Media
Parents can protect kids by enforcing time limits. Many underestimate the time teens spend on social media. The 2023 surgeon general's advisory showed that almost 95% of 13-17-year-olds use social media, with over a third using it almost constantly. The 2024 APA report found that U.S. teens spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on social media, mostly on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. 41% of teens with the highest usage rated their mental health as poor or very poor, and 10% reported suicidal intent.A 2019 JAMA study found that kids using social media for more than three hours a day had a 2.5 times higher risk of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. For already struggling kids, even 30 minutes a day led to almost twice the risk.Your most powerful tool is engagement with your child. Research shows that kids with engaged parents who set consistent limits are happier and healthier. Monitor and limit social media usage to protect them.READ MORE