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Adolescents and Social Media: Recommendations for Parents
Many adolescents can be seen with a smartphone these days, scrolling through various social media platforms throughout the day. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center on teens, social media, and technology, it was found that almost three-quarters of teens have or have access to a smartphone, with 92% of teens reporting going online daily [1].
This same survey also found that 71% of teens use more than one social network site, with the most popular social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Google Plus, Vine, and Tumblr [1].
Importance of Parental Regulation
As the frontier of social media has changed and evolved rapidly over a short time period, many parents may find it difficult to keep up with the various things their teenagers may be involved with. Some parents might even be overwhelmed at the thought of their teenager or adolescent being involved with so many social media platforms, and it may seem easier to not ask questions.
However, parental involvement with a child’s Internet and social media use may be more important than ever, and keeping communication channels open can help a child establish healthy boundaries with their social media use.
Especially today, social media can easily evolve into a type of process addiction, where the time spent engaging in social media is taking away from other important tasks and functions, such as building familial relationships, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities. Many teens today might seem more content scrolling through their social media on their phone than actually conversing with family members and friends, but it doesn’t mean these behaviors are positive.
Staying Involved With Your Child
As a parent, it is your responsibility to determine if your adolescent is allowed to use a smartphone, and if so, what apps or social media sites might be permissible. You can help your child by creating boundaries that support a healthy use of social media, such as setting time limits or times when phones should not be used, like family meal times for example.
Most importantly, have open communication with your child about what is appropriate on social media, discussing cyberbullying and other things which can subtly occur while using social media.
Ultimately, your child will take in your advice, even if it doesn’t always feel that way, and your leadership in this area can help encourage a positive relationship with social media.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are your thoughts on how parents should or could regulate social media use for their teenages?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: Pew Research Center’s Teens Relationships Survey, Sept 25-Oct 9, 2014 and Feb. 10-Mar. 16, 2016.The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 6, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
