Peace at Home Blog

Social Media and Screen Time: Protect Your Child’s Mental Health

July 26, 2024 | Ruth Freeman

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our children’s lives. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General released a comprehensive report on social media and youth mental health, shedding light on both the benefits and potential risks. As a parent, you may be feeling nervous or overwhelmed by this new information. In this blog, we’ll summarize the key findings from the Surgeon General’s report and, more importantly, provide you with practical solutions from Dr. Vivek Murthy and Peace at Home Parenting experts to help navigate this complex landscape. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey – we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Check out our parenting workshops or quick videos for more social media solutions!

The Double-Edged Sword
Social media isn’t all bad – it can offer some real benefits for our kids:

• Connecting with like-minded peers
• Expressing creativity
• Accessing information
• Finding support, especially for marginalized youth

However, there are also potential risks:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Sleep disruption
• Exposure to cyberbullying
• Poor body image
• Lower self-esteem

Studies have shown that teens spending more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health issues.

What Can Parents Do?

Check out Peace at Home workshops on social media safety and red flags

Ideas from the US Surgeon General:

1. Create a Family Media Plan:
   Set clear boundaries and expectations for social media use in your household.
2. Establish Tech-Free Zones:
   Keep mealtimes and bedrooms device-free to encourage face-to-face interaction and better sleep.
3. Be a Role Model:
   Show responsible social media habits yourself.
4. Educate and Empower:
   Teach your kids about online safety, privacy, and critical thinking skills.
5. Encourage Offline Activities:
   Prioritize in-person social interactions and hobbies.
6. Stay Involved:
   Monitor your child’s online activities and keep an open dialogue about their experiences.
7. Take Action Against Cyberbullying:
   Know how to report online abuse and support your child if they’re affected. CyberTipline and Take it Down are two resources to know about.

The Latest Development

In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General called for warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on tobacco products. This underscores the growing concern about social media’s impact on youth mental health.

Remember, our goal isn’t to demonize social media, but to help our children use it in a healthy, balanced way. By staying informed and involved, we can guide our kids to reap the benefits of social connection while minimizing the risks.

What strategies have you found helpful in managing your child’s social media use? Share them with us on social media or email us at solutions@peaceathomeparenting.com!

For more parenting support, join us for an Upcoming Live Workshop, browse our Libraries of Quick Video Solutions and check out our podcasts and other resources. 

Questions? Email us at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com or learn more about our Corporate, School and NonProfit programs.