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Writer's pictureSandra Aguilera-Cruz

The Digital Dilemma: How Social Media Impacts the Mental Health of Kids & Teens


a teenage boy looking in distress at his phone

One important aspect of mental health is how we use our electronic devices. Thanks to smart phones, we have an unlimited access to the world with one click. On one hand, we have unlimited access to content that can be educational, positive, helpful, uplifting, and entertaining. On the other hand, we have access to what seems like never-ending content impacting our minds and relationships in a harmful manner. As adults we have all been victims to the lapse in time due to scrolling, liking, reading comments and sharing reels. The impact of getting lost in scrolling is often time minimized and or justified. However, it is resulting in a harmful mindset of comparing ourselves and our life to what we are seeing.


The harsh reality is, if you have access to an electronic device, you are not safe. Most importantly our kids and teens are the most vulnerable to fall victim to the negative impacts of social media such as: low self-esteem, poor social skillsincrease pressureimpact sleepisolation, bullying, online safetysexual /violent content, F.O.M.O (fear of missing out). With children obtaining access to electronic devices (cell phone, tablets, computers) younger and younger, we as adults need to be the ones to educate, support and model for children how to safely and responsibly use their devices. Here are tips to keep kids and teens safe: 


  • Develop and implement rules on time limits and what content can be used.

  • Implement “crate your phone”  to helps with limiting cell phone use at home. 

  • Learn about the screen time settings on your child’s phone, use them as you need to. 

  • Model positive social media usage. 

  • Encourage your child to engage in off-screen activities (sports, art, reading, playing outdoors, going for a walk, card games, board games, crafting, gardening) 

  • Praise for responsible use of social media, be curious ask questions about what content they follow and become familiar with whom they are interaction with online.

  • Have open conversations about online safety. 

  • Monitor your child’s behaviors. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.

  • Prioritize meaningful connections by having fun as a family (family walks, gardening, find ways to get sunshine and vitamin D, game nights, dinner as a family, baking/cooking) 

  • Become familiar with school expectations, do not use phones at school, communicate concerns to teachers/school staff

  • Become familiar with coping strategies to support your child/teen manage stress and worries. 

These are a few tips to support you in developing and creating limits on the use of electronic devices for yourself and your children. The most important step is to become aware of how much time is being spent on devices and in what context, is it helpful or harmful. As social media is designed to hook us and keep us coming back, it is crucial we teach our children how to be responsible and have a healthy relationships with their devices and the content they are viewing.  Most importantly, supporting and guiding them to foster and solidify healthy connections with family, friends, and community off the screen.


 

Sandra Aguilera-Cruz, MA, APCC, #9188, is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Sandra is bi-lingual, Spanish being her first language & she specializes in working with children, teens, at risk youth, and parental training. She can be reached by email at saguilera-cruz@empiretcs.net or by phone at 805.774.0049.

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