The Online Parent

07/26/2023

With social media comes a responsibility to use it properly. The responsibility falls not only on adults but also on children, who are exposed to social media from an early age. Parents and caregivers have a responsibility to model responsible social media use for their children.

U.S. Surgeon General issues a warning about social media effects on adolescents.

06/28/2023

Not only do parents support legislation aimed at social media and the protection of their kids, but nearly every parent in the U.S. (98 percent) believes social media platforms are dangerous to users under 18; citing TikTok and Snapchat as the most dangerous.

Survey found nearly every parent (98 percent) believes social media platforms are dangerous to users under 18

06/22/2023

The rise of technology has had a profound impact on our lives, both positive and negative. On the one hand, technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family, learn new things, and be entertained. On the other hand, there is growing concern about the impact of screen time on mental health, particularly among children and adolescents.
A number of studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to a number of negative mental health outcomes, including:

Depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that children and adolescents who spend more time on screens are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Sleep problems. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Weight gain. Children and adolescents who spend more time on screens are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the fact that they are less likely to be physically active and more likely to eat unhealthy snacks while they are using screens.

Social isolation. Spending too much time on screens can lead to social isolation. Children and adolescents who are constantly plugged in may miss out on important social interactions and opportunities for face-to-face communication.

Addiction. Just like any other addictive substance, screens can be habit-forming. Children and adolescents who spend too much time on screens may find it difficult to break away, even when they know it is affecting their mental health.

If you are concerned about the impact of screen time on your child's mental health, there are a number of things you can do to limit their screen time and promote healthy habits:

Set limits. Establish clear limits on how much time your child can spend on screens each day. This may mean limiting screen time to certain times of the day, such as after homework is done, or limiting the number of hours per day that your child can spend on screens.

Model healthy habits. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your child to limit their screen time, it is important that you do the same. Make sure that you are not spending too much time on screens yourself, and that you are setting a good example for your child.

Encourage other activities. There are many other activities that your child can do instead of spending time on screens. Encourage them to get involved in sports, hobbies, or other activities that they enjoy.

Talk to your child. Talk to your child about the importance of limiting screen time and the negative effects that it can have on mental health. Help them to understand the importance of setting limits and making healthy choices.

By taking these steps, you can help your child to develop healthy screen habits and protect their mental health.

Here are some additional tips for limiting screen time and promoting healthy habits in your child:

Make sure your child has a comfortable and inviting bedroom. A child's bedroom should be a place for sleep, relaxation, and reading. Make sure your child's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and that it has plenty of books and other non-screen activities.

Limit screen time before bed. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep. It is best to limit screen time to two hours before bedtime.

Encourage your child to be physically active. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood.

Encourage your child to participate in sports, play outside, or go for walks.

Eat healthy meals and snacks. Eating healthy foods can help improve mood and energy levels. Make sure your child is eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Make sure your child is getting at least 10-12 hours of sleep each night.

Talk to your child about their feelings. It is important for your child to feel comfortable talking to you about their feelings. If your child is feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, talk to them about it.

Seek professional help if needed. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help your child develop coping skills and manage their emotions.

By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy screen habits and protect their mental health.

06/20/2023

In today's digital age, ensuring the online safety of children has become a primary concern for parents and guardians. Grandparents, as trusted family members, can play a vital role in helping keep their grandchildren safe online. By understanding the potential risks and implementing practical strategies, grandparents can actively contribute to creating a secure online environment for their beloved grandchildren. This article explores various ways in which grandparents can contribute to their grandchildren's online safety.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3qTFK9z

06/07/2023

One of APA’s new guidelines is to teach children what types of threats they’re likely to encounter online—like misinformation, bullying, and hate speech—before they first log on. Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment to determine an age-appropriate time for these conversations, as well as when to let their children use social media. The first generation of digital natives, who went online as kids around a decade ago, didn’t get any training or warning, says Grant, but parents today can warn their kids about specific online risks. A good social media primer should include topics such as data privacy, the permanence of online posts, how to recognize misinformation, and how important it is not to compare yourself to others’ online personas.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3MkH9Oz

06/05/2023

More than 350 lawsuits are expected to move forward this year against TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Roblox, and Meta - the parent company to Instagram and Facebook.

More than 350 lawsuits against social media giants TikTok, Meta and others are expected to proceed this year. Sharyn Alfonsi spoke with some of the families suing social media.

06/01/2023

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, and it has become more common for children to use it as a form of entertainment and communication. However, social media also poses potential risks to children's mental health, including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and decreased face-to-face interaction. To help parents navigate these risks, the American Psychological Association (APA) has issued recommendations on how to screen children's social media use. Here are the APA's guidelines:

Set Limits on Screen Time

The APA recommends that children and adolescents under the age of 18 should limit their screen time to two hours per day. This includes time spent on social media, television, video games, and other electronic devices. While social media can be beneficial in moderation, excessive screen time can lead to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Talk to Your Children About Social Media

Parents should talk to their children about the risks and benefits of social media use. This includes discussing how social media can impact their mental health and well-being, as well as online safety and how to protect themselves from cyberbullying and other online dangers. Encourage open communication and listening to your children's concerns and experiences.

Monitor Your Children's Social Media Use

Parents should monitor their children's social media use to ensure that they are using it safely and responsibly. This includes being aware of the content that their children are exposed to on social media, as well as checking in on their online activities regularly. It is important to respect your child's privacy, but also ensure that they are not engaging in risky or harmful behaviors online.

Encourage Your Children to Engage in Other Activities

To reduce their reliance on social media and promote overall well-being, parents should encourage their children to engage in other activities, such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. These activities can help children develop important social skills and foster positive mental health outcomes.

While these guidelines are a good starting point for parents, it is important to remember that every child is different. Some children may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media than others. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to tailor their approach to their child's individual needs and circumstances.

If you are concerned about your child's social media use, there are resources available to help. Talking to your child's doctor, a mental health professional, or a school counselor can provide valuable insights and advice. Additionally, there are many websites and organizations that offer information and support on social media use and online safety.

In conclusion, while social media can offer a range of benefits for children, it also presents potential risks to their mental health and well-being. By following the APA's recommendations, parents can help their children navigate social media in a healthy and responsible way. It is crucial to monitor your child's social media use, set reasonable limits on screen time, and encourage other forms of social interaction and activities. By doing so, parents can help their children thrive both online and offline.

05/30/2023

A new study found YouTube's recommendation algorithm pushed videos about modifying guns, school shootings, and a movie about Jeffrey Dahmer to accounts simulating the online behavior of several nine and 14-year-old users.

The Tech Transparency Project found YouTube's recommendations algorithm pushed violent content to accounts simulating nine and 14-year-olds.

05/23/2023

There’s not enough evidence to determine whether social media is safe enough for children and adolescents when it comes to their mental health, according to a new advisory from the US surgeon general.

Tuesday’s advisory notes that although there are some benefits, social media use presents “a profound risk of harm” for kids. It calls for increased research into social media’s impact on youth mental health, as well as action from policymakers and technology companies.

The 25-page advisory comes as a growing number of states are aiming to tighten regulations on social media platforms, including efforts in Montana to ban TikTok.

Surgeon general advisories are designed to call attention to urgent public health issues and provide recommendations for how they should be addressed, the new report notes. Previous advisories have focused on youth mental health more broadly, health misinformation, and use of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone.

There’s not enough evidence to determine whether social media is safe enough for children and adolescents when it comes to their mental health, according to a new advisory from the US surgeon general.

05/22/2023

Summer is a time for kids to relax and have fun, but it can also be a time for excessive screen time. With so many distractions available, it can be hard for parents to limit their kids' screen time. However, it's important to set limits on screen time in order to protect kids' health and well-being.

Here are some tips for parents on how to manage their kids' screen time this summer:

1. Set screen time limits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of 2 have no screen time at all, and that children ages 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For children ages 6 and up, the AAP recommends that screen time be limited to two hours per day.

2. Create a family media plan. Sit down with your kids and talk about how much screen time is appropriate for them. Come up with a plan that works for your family and stick to it.

3. Make screen time a family activity. Instead of letting your kids watch TV or play video games on their own, watch together as a family. This can help you bond with your kids and make screen time more enjoyable for everyone.

4. Encourage your kids to get outside and play. Summer is a great time for kids to get outside and get some exercise. Encourage them to play sports, go for walks, or ride their bikes.

5. Set a good example. Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your kids to limit their screen time, make sure you're setting a good example by limiting your own screen time.

By following these tips, you can help your kids have a healthy and fun summer without too much screen time.

Here are some additional tips for managing screen time:

- Use parental controls to block inappropriate content
- Talk to your kids about the dangers of cyberbullying and online predators
- Encourage your kids to take breaks from screens every 20-30 minutes to avoid eye strain and headaches
- Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep. Too much screen time can disrupt sleep patterns.

By following these tips, you can help your kids have a healthy and balanced relationship with screens.

05/17/2023

The social media business model is simple: Trade Americans’ data for dollars. That has led companies to exploit our children’s anxiety and obliterate their attention spans by keeping them online as long as possible.

It’s past time for legislators to pass social media reforms that increase transparency, ensure privacy and protect children.