In my recent post on Teen Safety in the Digital Age, I discussed the risks associated with both internet and social media use. In my practice, I’ve seen time and again where parents think they are monitoring their child’s internet use very closely. What they forget about is their child’s friends…..and the friend’s smartphone!
In this post, let’s talk about the health risks associated with excessive social media and internet use. And what you can do about it.
Health Risks of Excessive Internet Use
Obesity
Screen time takes away from physical activity time.
Poor Sleep
The inability to “shut it down” at bedtime leads to inadequate sleep and poor sleep habits.
Internet Gaming Disorder
Gaming is a very important contributor to school failure, especially for college students. In adults, it can lead to job loss, sub-optimal relationships and poor parenting. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and psychological trauma to children from unengaged parents.
Suboptimal Friendships and Relationships
Real relationships become too hard to nurture and navigate.
Bullying Behavior
Some things you would NEVER say in person are easily said online. This leads to broken relationships and psychosocial complications.
Suboptimal Learning
I have often heard this in my office:
“Unlike you, mom, I am able to listen to music/podcast/game narration, while doing my homework and studying for the history test”.
Mom comes to the realization that the drop in grades is not due to a brain tumor or “hormone problem”. This is often followed by a talk about healthy social media and internet use.
Increased risk for cyberbullying and sextortion
Unlike bullying in the real world that has a time limit, cyberbullies can do it 24 hours a day. Sadly, information online can spread rapidly, including hurtful words.
Mental Health
Adverse, and sometimes catastrophic, effects on mental health.
Loss of Privacy
Once information is posted, there is no control over where it will go. Privacy settings sometimes do not work.
What Can You Do as a Parent
to Keep Your Kids & Teens Safe?
Great question! I have listed 11 tips below to get you started.
1) Create a Family Media Plan
Set media priorities that matter most to YOUR family. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a well-researched Family Media Plan for media use in children and adolescents. That’s a great place to start!
2) Be Very Careful What You Post About Your Children
Privacy settings can fail in any browser or electronic device.
3) Set Limits On Screen Time/Media Use Based On Age.
It is daunting to realize that 1 in 4 teenagers describe themselves as “constantly connected” to the Internet. Let that sink in……25%.
4) Set Limits
For children 12 years and under, use all available tools to limit their Internet access.
5) Never Send Nude Pictures
Tell your children to never, ever send nudes or semi-nude pictures of themselves no matter the situation. Ever. This also applies to you as parents and all adults.
- Yes, yes, freedom of speech.
- I am grown up, I can do what I want.
- After all, it’s only for my boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/significant other.
Just don’t. If or when that relationship ends, there is no telling what a vengeful person can do with your pictures. Or even, a curious child in your family.
I cannot stress this enough. For children, this kind of sextortion can happen very quickly. Children and teens are more easily targeted. Tell your child that the great thing about the Internet is…… you can just turn it off. Press the button. Tell your child this TODAY.
6) No Media While Doing Homework
No entertainment/media/gaming while doing schoolwork. This is a very important life habit. Get your work done first, THEN play. It takes work to make this a habit even in adults. Be a good example in this area.
7) No Electronics in the Bedroom
No electronic devices or TVs in the bedroom. Not having a television in your child’s room is a good plan. Avoid screens for one hour before bedtime.
8) Consistent Rules with All Caregivers
Make sure all other caregivers of your children are on the same page as you. This includes parents of your children’s friends if they are frequently in their homes. Media rules should be followed consistently.
9) Media Free Times At Home
Meal times? Family activity nights? No internet or media! Build relationships with your children, know them, and learn their unique personalities.
10) Spend Time Engaging In Media Viewing With Your Children
I talked to a parent who was shocked. She showed me how that despite her using an Internet filter on her child’s iPad, some ads showed up that were very age-inappropriate.
Discuss what you watch together and instill confidence in making good choices.
11) Teach Respectful Behavior Online
It is very important to teach children that their behavior online must be respectful. Teach them what cyber bullying looks like. Teach them good online citizenship. Teach them how to avoid communications that could breach their privacy and compromise their safety.
There are a LOT of adults that have not learned how to be good online citizens. Teach your children early.
Work on these 11 Teen Online Safety Tips together, as a family.
Talk about the importance of building strong family relationships.
Don’t let social media and internet use get in the way. Just press the button, turn it off, and enjoy an activity with your family today!
Enjoy the journey!
Doc Tibbs
🌷🌺🌻
REFERENCE
THE CYBERSMILE FOUNDATION
The Cybersmile Foundation is a multi-award-winning nonprofit organization committed to digital well-being and tackling all forms of bullying and abuse online. They work to promote kindness, diversity, and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community.
to have Healthy Relationships
Is your relationship with your teen child strained or difficult?
Fostering healthy relationships is vital for the social and emotional well-being of teenagers. By promoting open communication, teaching empathy, setting boundaries, and being positive role models, parents can provide the necessary guidance and support for their teen to navigate the complexities of friendships. Your involvement and guidance as a parent plays a significant role in shaping a teenager’s social experiences and helping them establish meaningful connections with their peers.
Join Dr. Tibbs, as she provides an easy-to-read handbook based on personal parenting experiences as well as her professional experience as a pediatrician. Rest assured that your best parenting days are still ahead of you!
CORDS:
Reflections on Weaving the Tapestry of Life
Dr. Tibbs’ book is a powerful meditation on the meaning of family, identity, and community. There’s something beautiful about learning to love your culture and simultaneously cultivating in your children the awareness that everyone has a culture or heritage that is important to them.
