BY MARIA LUISA SALCINES
We are living in times when parents have to be diligent about what their children are doing on social media.
No one knows how this digital age will affect children as they get older, because no other generation has ever grown up so attached to social media.
Psychologist are concerned with how social media could be contributing to anxiety and depression in teens and young adults, and studies show that limiting your children’s time on social media is important.
Social media has allowed us to be exposed to all kinds of information 24 hours a day.
You can see how celebrities live, read the latest news, or take an internet course. Your friends share pictures of their latest vacation, their child’s graduation, and moments of accomplishments.
Studies are now showing, however, that not everyone who participates in social media is experiencing a positive outcome.
Many adults and teens feel bad about themselves after comparing their lives to others. Social media is causing some people to feel anxious and even depressed about their lives.
Teens especially can worry about things like not being invited to a party or how many birthday wishes someone gets. They even notice the amount of likes they get compared to their peers.
It is important that parent have ongoing conversations with their children about social media.
Kids need to understand that social media is like a commercial on television. It’s a high light of a person’s life nothing more. It captures a moment and shares a message that’s all.
No one’s life is perfect, and everyone has struggles.
Parents don’t assume that your children understand that real life doesn’t look like a reality show. Make it a point to discuss what your children are watching on television, and be diligent about checking up on what they are doing on their hand held devices.
Today more than ever parents have to be creative about helping their children disconnect from social media.
Make it a point to create moments in your home where your kids connect to each other and their friends the old fashion way.
Put a basket somewhere in your family room and get everyone in the habit of putting their phones there while watching television or eating dinner.
For most Facebook and Instagram are fun and bring positive effects to their lives, but it is important that as a parent you make sure your children are handling this exposure to social media correctly.
Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, and certified parent educator with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior and Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOfFamily or on Instagram at mlsalcines. You can also also contact her on her blog FamilyLifeandFindingHappy.com.
