The Pros and Cons of Social Media for Kids
The lure of social media is undisputable, particularly for children. Immediately, kids can share ideas on a vlog, connect with pals, surf through posts from their latest superstar crush, and study a college paper – all from the comfort of their couches. A recent study reveals that kids between the ages of eight and 12 spend nearly five hours every day online, with teens sitting in front of a screen for almost seven and a half hours.
As a parent, it’s critical to know the effects of kids and social media on their mental health.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Youth
How children use social media directly impacts their mental health. Kids who are online in a healthy way can take advantage of resources, a strong social support system, and online groups that enhance their emotions of confidence and connection. That said, kids with unhealthy screen habits may experience unwanted consequences, like depression, hyperactivity, and anxiety.
The Positive Effect of Social Media on Youth
There are, however, upsides to kids and social media. Being online may encourage your
child to reinforce relationships with peers and feel connected. Another study discovered
that regularly using social media can help kids and teens boost social connections, technical
Other plusses of kids and social media use include:
● Conveying creativeness in a range of ways.
● Setting up or taking part in a program for causes they’re passionate about.
● Discovering openings to volunteer or become involved in the community.
● Bonding with peers to accomplish college projects.
● Developing friendship groups to involve others with equivalent hobbies or differing
opinions.
The Negative Impact of Social Media on Youth
Sure, it’s great to feel connected, but social media use can also increase feelings of
unhappiness, seclusion, and angst. Kids who engage in social media may have a greater
risk of psychiatric problems, plus they’re more prone to social pressure. Some of the main
negatives of kids and social media use include:
● Smartphone obsession: A study showed how nearly 50 percent of the teens
surveyed think they’re addicted to their phones. More than half believed their
relationship with technology has negatively affected their lives (sleep, exercise,
college work, and nutrition).
● Online bullying: Kids and teenagers who spend countless hours in front of a screen
may experience harassment online. This omnipresent type of bullying never ends,
and youths may be victims of upsetting, unpleasant messages whenever they’re
online. Cyberbullying can cause behavioral problems, depression, low self-
confidence, fear, or even suicidal thoughts.
● Poor sleep: Using smartphones in bed interrupts sleep, making it tricky to nod off,
unwind, and stay asleep. Children who sleep poorly have more chances of
experiencing mental health issues like impulsive behavior, angst, and depression,
not to mention scoring lower grades on cognitive assessments.
The Takeaway of Kids and Social Media
If you think your child is being affected by social media use, we’re here to help. At EAT Sports, we believe sports can do wonders for the mind, and our job is to get your kid into a positive state of mind that’s healthy and long-term, so they’re not affected by the damaging side of social media.
