The US surgeon general just issued a major advisory on social media use and teens’ mental health. 📱
Research indicates that the average teen spends about 7 hours and 22 minutes a day on their phone. Tweens ages 8 – 12 spend about 4 hours and 44 minutes a day on devices. That’s a whole lot of exposure to who knows what!
Many parents worry about the impact of social media on their child’s mental health and wellbeing. And for good reason. Recent studies have shown the impact of social media on body image, self-esteem, and feelings of loneliness. You also need to watch out for cyberbullying, online harassment, and scams.
Giving a child access to the internet, whether it is through an iPad, Phone, or Laptop, gives them access to the world. 🌎
Before teens can drive within their community, we make them pass a written test, practice for hours with an adult, then pass a driving test administered by a professional.
Yet, we give our kids technology, giving them access to the whole world with little to no instruction on the pros, cons, and appropriate ways to use it.
So, what do you need to know to keep your kids safe and healthy online?
