Combating the Negative Impact of Social Media on Young Kids
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, but it can also have a significant negative impact on young kids. From unrealistic beauty standards to cyberbullying, the challenges posed by social media are real. However, there are steps you can take to help your daughter navigate these challenges and develop healthy online habits.
Social media has been around long enough now that the study results clearly show us that it is not good for kids. I’ll say it again: Social media, without major adult involvement, has little benefit, and many risks for children.
Believe me, I understand that social media is here to stay. I’m not on a warpath to completely ban TikTok or anything remotely that controversial. I’m just here to beat the same drum that pretty much every mental health professional has been for the past decade. As much as possible, keep your kids off social media until at least age 13. Even Congress got on board with that.
I want to be clear about something else, though. I’m not advocating a top-down, heavy-handed approach. Taking a negative, authoritarian tone may backfire one you in the long run. Plus, the truth is, that social media is a complicated topic. There is much good to be found in the compassionate and wise use of social media– but that’s for the grownups to do. Not the elementary school set. I firmly believe this.
So let’s talk about how to prepare your kids. How can you approach this tender topic with positivity and compassion for their situation? They may really be “the only kid in their class” who doesn’t have a TikTok account. Probably not (there are many parents out there who are starting to push back against the encroachment of social media into the lives of their littles), but it probably feels that way to them. Or maybe you have a high school freshman and you are starting to lay the groundwork for healthy social media use. What does that look like? I’ve got some ideas.
1. Educate and Prepare
Discuss the Downsides: With your young kids and pre-teens, before they have their first access, openly discuss the potential risks of social media: cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and privacy concerns. Whatever they are developmentally ready to discuss and understand. Start the conversation early, so you have a chance to set the groundwork.
Teach Digital Citizenship: Openly model, and intentionally educate your teens about responsible online behavior. This can be a great time to initiate a conversation about respectful, effective communication, but also talk about privacy protection and the fact that “online is forever”.
Set Ground Rules: Establish clear boundaries for social media use: both for safety and for their mental and physical health. Set up expectations for your family’s official Social Media Use Policies. There are great templates online that can help get you started on this.
2. Foster Positive Habits
Encourage Creativity: Some of the best uses of social media allow kids to explore their creativity with an encouraging audience of their peers. Encourage your kids to CREATE, not just CONSUME.
Connect with Positive Influences:You can partially curate your kids’ social media experience by helping them find uplighting content and creators to add to their scroll, in addition to their irl friends.
Monitor and Support: Start off the bat with the expectation that you will be checking in and make sure to take advantage of content filtering apps and services that help to strain out the bad stuff.
3. Encourage Offline Connections
Prioritize Real-Life Relationships: Of course the best defense against the dangers of social media is to have a real life full of vibrant, healthy friendships, fun adventures, and growth experiences. Even the best aspects of social media are no real substitute for an afternoon of laughing and living life with your besties.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help your kids develop healthy online habits and navigate the challenges of social media. Remember, your guidance and support are essential in helping them build a positive and resilient self-image.
Here are some helpful links that provide valuable insights and practical tips for combating the negative impact of social media on young kids.
