[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||4px|2%|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Dr. Nicole Beurkens” position=”Child psychologist” image_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30144434\/Dr.Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||24px|7px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” position_text_align_tablet=”” position_text_align_phone=”center” position_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28102416\/2022-08-Help-your-kids-to-build-healthy-social-media-habits_Hero.jpg” alt=”help teens to use social media in a healthy way” title_text=”How to help your kids use social media healthily” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s no secret that social media has become a significant part of life for the vast majority of adults and teens. From social communication, to politics and world events, and certainly as a source of entertainment, <\/span>social media use continues to increase in young people<\/b>. Our 2023 annual data report showed that <\/span>children spent a global average of 112 minutes a day on TikTok,<\/span><\/a> the social media app most used by kids. <\/span><\/p>\n While the negative effects of social media on children and teens are well-explored, there are also plenty of benefits for our kids too.<\/span> Healthy social media use can give teens valuable opportunities<\/b> for socialization, learning, and support that can be beneficial for all aspects of their lives. The key is to incorporate these platforms thoughtfully, so that teens can<\/span> learn to use social media in a healthy way<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In many ways, social media lives up to its aspirations of providing people with a platform where they can <\/span>interact positively with each other and share their life experiences<\/b>. Teenagers have made great use of social media apps for staying in touch with each other outside of school and sharing fun or educational content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Social media can give our kids a great tool for communicating with new friends<\/b> and staying current and involved in each others\u2019 lives. It can also be a fantastic way for teens to practice their communication skills and become more confident when interacting with others in real life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, research shows that <\/span>healthy social media use may be an effective way to <\/b>promote education and mental wellbeing<\/b><\/a> in teenagers. Aside from many of these more general benefits, healthy social media use can be extremely beneficial for more specific reasons too<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Seeking a community<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Social media is a great way to find groups specific to many interests, issues, and needs. <\/span>They can find other like-minded individuals to discuss hobbies, shared issues, and more<\/b>. This can be super helpful especially for children who might otherwise feel marginalized or alone, where social media provides a safe space for them to interact with others like them and helps them realize that there are lots of other young people with similar characteristics, challenges, and needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2. Building a platform<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some kids are hard at work <\/span>developing their talents and working toward their passions<\/b>, and social media can be a fantastic way for them to share their work with others. For example, teens can post their artwork on social media to gain recognition and even work towards potential sales. This can also be a great way for young adults to expand their network and get in touch with established members of their field, which is particularly exciting for aspiring scientists and creatives!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 3. Doing good<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Perhaps more than anything else, social media is teaching our kids that their voices can be heard and that they can make a difference in the world. Apps like <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a> and Twitter can be effective ways to <\/span>raise awareness about current global issues<\/b> and even make a tangible impact on issues like deforestation, hunger, and more through donations, petitions, and rallies. Our kids can gain valuable knowledge about being responsible citizens and kind, global-minded humans through many of these channels.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28123448\/2022-08-Help-your-kids-to-build-healthy-social-media-habits_InsideImage.jpg” alt=”help teens develop healthy social media habits” title_text=”Help your teens to build healthy social media habits” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With so many established positive and <\/span>negative aspects<\/span><\/a> of social media, it\u2019s important to <\/span>create a strategy which allows our kids to get the most benefit from social media<\/b> without experiencing negative effects as well. <\/span>Some studies<\/span><\/a> have analyzed the pros and cons of social media use to develop a better understanding of how we as parents can help our kids develop healthy social media habits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few of the ideas from this research, as well as several of my own favorite ways to make sure our kids stay healthy and safe on social media:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Follow a variety of accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Following lots of different accounts allows us to get a better representation of different people, ideas, places, and more. In the current day and age, it\u2019s more important than ever to <\/span>consider issues and ideas from multiple points of view in order to get the full story<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a great idea to talk with your child about the importance of seeking information from multiple sources before drawing conclusions, and this is a perfect way to practice.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2. Be mindful<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One way we can make sure our social media use is healthy is to <\/span>pause every once in a while and think about how we feel while we scroll.<\/b> If your child often feels sad, upset, or angry while they use social media, maybe it\u2019s time to make adjustments to their routine, take a break, or do something else for a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tuning into the way our bodies and minds feel is a fantastic way to develop healthy habits that leave us feeling good. Talk with them about this periodically to guide their tuning-in and consideration of how their social media use is actually making them feel.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 3. Set up device-free times<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Just like everything else, social media is best used in moderation. <\/span>Setting up times during the day where your kids won\u2019t use their electronics<\/b> is an effective way to encourage them to find other activities to participate in and moderate their device usage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For example, you might <\/span>make the dinner table a device-free zone<\/b> so that you and your kids can enjoy each other\u2019s company during mealtimes rather than sitting in your own social media bubbles. This helps ensure your child is getting ample communication and relationship practice in real life, and not just on a device.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 4. Maintain a positive social media feed<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your child is constantly viewing content that makes them feel bad, it\u2019s time to unfollow some accounts. The comparison-trap, <\/span>trolling<\/span><\/a> and bullying, and other problematic issues on social media can be very real \u2013 especially for young people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure that they work to<\/span> cultivate positivity in the types of accounts and posts that they see when they log on<\/b>. This doesn\u2019t mean that they\u2019ll never see disappointing news or posts that they don\u2019t like, but it will help to reinforce social media\u2019s positive impact and make their use of it a more health-supportive experience.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 5. Implement digital wellbeing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Especially for kids struggling to manage their social media use on their own, parental control apps can be a necessary part of <\/span>establishing healthy boundaries<\/b>. A tool like <\/span>Qustodio<\/span><\/a> is super helpful for <\/span>setting time limits<\/span><\/a> and filters on apps so that you can help your child manage their social media use more effectively. It\u2019s what I use with my own children, and recommend to all families at my clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAre there benefits of social media for kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How to help children use social media in a healthy way<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What to do if you think your child is overusing or misusing social media<\/strong><\/h2>\n