Too Many Youth On Social Media? What Experts Want You to Know

LACHINA, Jan. 13, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Is your teen looking at a smartphone all day? There are many things parents can do to protect their children from the dangers of social networking, experts say.

Although there are positive aspects social networking sites, there is evidence that it can be dangerous for young people good health due to difficulties such as bullying, body image anxiety and other social problems.

“The reality is that social networking is part of the world we live in, and it never ends,” said Mari Radzik, a psychiatrist at the Los Angeles Children’s and Youth Hospital.

“We can’t just confiscate our children’s phones or computers. It’s important to know how to guide them in using these tools,” Radzik said. publishing medical news.

Other symptoms of social problems in adolescents are changes in mood, eating, and exercise sleep habits, as well as isolation from their room. In that case, parents may need to start a conversation about how their child uses the social networking site using the word “I” instead of the word “you,” said Radzik.

Instead of saying, “You’re on Instagram too much and it’s bad for you,” try, “I realized this and I’m so sorry. Can we talk?” If your child does not want to talk right now, let him know that you will be there when he does.

“Berating will cause the teenager to shut up,” Radzik said. “Or sometimes parents dig into their child’s social networking accounts and they may feel that it is difficult.

Parents need to pay close attention and pay attention to what their teens use on television, says Sarah Voyer, a group leader. mad at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.

Parents may need to ask their teens how they use social networking sites – whether they share updates with friends, follow other celebrities or influencers, or seek advice or support – and how they feel about using it, Voyer said.

If you are convinced that social networking is affecting your child good health, they want to take a break or delete their account.

“There are some children who can solve the problem, and sometimes it takes a parent to help them,” Radzik said.

Before a child can use social networking sites, parents must set boundaries, according to Radzik.

“It can be difficult if children are given access to mobile phones at an early age,” he said. “I understand the importance of using it sometimes, especially age-appropriate items. But as parents we need to foster the interest of the world around them and use creative tools instead of relying on movies all the time.”

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For more information on children and publications, see the American Academy of Pediatrics.