A Parent's Guide to Social Media and Teen Health

There’s no denying the heightened importance that social media now plays in the lives of most teens. It’s also virtually impossible for even the most diligent parent to fully protect their kids from the negative aspects of it. 

At Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center, we understand the risks that social media consumption poses for young people, as well as the stress that parents who likely never had to contend with social media during their own adolescence face. 

Whether positive or negative, social media is a reality

While it’s easy to focus solely on the negative aspects of social media, there’s also a lot to gain. 

Social media offers a way for people to stay in touch or reconnect, and provides a sense of social connection for many. It’s also a wellspring of useful information for those who can wade through the digital noise. 

But social media also has a very pronounced dark side. It somehow invites people to be their worst selves and to present content that can be incredibly harmful, especially to young people. 

From bullying to false information, along with dangerous challenges and altered images, there’s plenty for today’s parents to be worried about. 

But the first step in helping a child move through the digital world safely is to acknowledge that social media is not going anywhere, and that kids need to learn how to interact with these platforms. 

Communication is an ever-present need

The best way to help your child avoid negative outcomes based on social media consumption is to communicate with them about the risks and rewards that these platforms offer. If you are also a social media user, take the time to model healthy habits. 

When you see something that is inflammatory or false, point it out and discuss it with your child. Set limits for how all family members interact with social media, whether that means limiting the amount of screen time during the day or planning for plenty of non-digital activities both within and outside of the household.

It’s also important to step in when a child seems to be negatively impacted by what’s being said or shared online. 

Ask your teen how they feel about the way they or others are being affected, and remind yourself that the teenage brain is still developing and can be especially vulnerable to social media messaging. 

Monitor your child’s online presence

This can be a polarizing topic, as some parents feel strongly that too much oversight doesn’t allow kids to develop their own healthy habits. But for most families, staying on top of their teens’ social media activities is an integral part of protecting them from harm. 

Know which platforms your child is interacting with, and what information they are sharing with the world. Discuss safety measures surrounding social media, including the risks inherent in sharing photos and giving so much information that anyone can locate your teen at any time. 

Some parents insist on being added as a friend or contact on their teen’s social media accounts. Others go as far as installing monitoring software on their child’s devices that allows them to see everything their child is viewing or posting online. 

No two families are exactly alike, and what works in your household may be very different than what works in another. 

Be prepared to step in as needed

If you feel that your teen is struggling with moderating their social media use or that their mental health is impacted as a result of digital content, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. 

The world is changing at a rapid pace, and technology is leading that acceleration. Today’s teens face challenges that were simply unimaginable for previous generations. 

Working with a trained therapist can help teens better understand the impact that social media has on their lives and mental health. They can learn how to set healthy limits for themselves and how to parse out the difference between what is useful and what can bring harm. 

For parents in and around Houston, Texas, Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center offers a resource for all aspects of teen mental health. When you need us, we’re here to help. Just reach out online or by phone to book your visit.