The information listed below is taken from the sources that are linked under the information.

Social media can be a fun way to stay connected with the people in our lives but for youth, social media use and screentime can be associated with factors that increase risk of mental health concerns. Social media use and screentime can be associated with:

Cyberbullying. Internet usage among youth, including social media usage, has been linked to increased cyberbullying which can have negative consequences for mental health. For more about cyberbullying, see the Bullying and Harassment Resources page.

Addiction. Social media addiction is not classified as a true addiction, but users report feelings and physical symptoms similar to addiction, like the urge to constantly check social media, discomfort and anxiety when off social media, and recorded dopamine response to social media use. Additionally, games and apps are increasingly designed to mimic gambling and encourage compulsive spending or engagement.

Body image and eating habits. Marketed body ideals, targeted ads (Particularly in the beauty industry) and images altered by AI and filters create increased body comparison and unrealistic body ideals, which can lead to disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. For more information, visit the Eating Habit and Body Image Resources page.

Depression, loneliness, and isolation. Curated social media feeds and live sharing can create “FOMO” (Fear of missing out) or the illusion that other people’s lives are perfect, better, or more successful, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, exclusion, isolation, and depression. Social media use can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

Substance use. Targeted marketing by companies to youth on social media increases the chance that youth will engage in substance use.

Physical health. Stress from social media use, or prolonged social media use, is linked to physical outcomes, like not being able to fall asleep or the replacement of physical activity with screentime. These physical outcomes can also have a negative effect on mental health.

For more information about social media use and screentime, explore the links below:

Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence – APA

Understanding Social Media Use and Balance – Jed Foundation

Understanding Social Comparison on Social Media – Jed Foundation

7 Potential Negative Impacts of Social Media – Jed Foundation

Internet Addiction – Screenagers

The information listed below is taken from the sources that are linked under the information.

You can take the following steps to have productive conversations with your child about screentime and social media:

1. Educate – Help your child to understand the dangers and considerations of social media use, including how social media and screentime affect the brain and other areas of their health.

2. Validate – Tell your child that their feelings are valid, and you understand how hard it is. You can say things like “It makes sense that you’re worried about what other people are thinking and doing on social media” or “It’s frustrating to have someone else place limits on you, or to have to stop what you’re doing when you’re in the middle of something.”

3. Collaborate – Search for possible solutions by listing options together as a family and come to realistic agreements. Develop a contract or guidelines and discuss privileges that can be earned. When developing a family agreement:

• Compile your intentions
• Define your family’s general principles
• Define family rules (Example: No screens in the bedroom)
• Establish incentives and consequences
• Allow wiggle room and flexibility

4. Evaluate. Allow your teen to show you that they can be responsible before earning more freedom of use. Regularly check in with weekly “Tech talks” where each person discusses a good experience with technology and something they’re struggling with.

For more information about family planning, explore the links below:

Parenting Today’s Teen: Navigating Social Media & Mental Health – Forefront

Pro-social Video Games – Screenagers

Top 10 Tech Parent Tips – iRules Academy

Family Contracts – iRules Academy

The information listed below is taken from the sources that are linked under the information.

Digital citizenship refers to the norms of appropriate behavior regarding technology use. Digital citizenship can address issues such as email etiquette, avoiding online cruelty, avoiding copyright infringement, and other topics. When educating your child about digital citizenship, include the following topics:

1. Media balance and wellbeing. Consider the different sources of media that you use and how they make you feel and how often you use them. Use the information to create your own personal guidelines.

2. Privacy and security. Be aware of phishing and scams, how your data is used, and how sharing can be used by advertisers.

3. Digital footprint and identity. Understand how your online identity can create perceptions of who you are, be aware of fake accounts, and understand the potential permanence of online activity.

4. Relationships and communication. Consider online safety, how media can create social pressures, and the risks of self-disclosure.

5. Cyberbullying. Know how to respond to cyberbullying, digital drama, and hate speech. For more information, visit the Bullying and Harassment Resources page.

6. News and media literacy. Consider sources, how to evaluate credibility, and fair use. Ask questions like, “What message is being sent?” and “Who profits from this message?”

For more information about digital citizenship, explore the links below:

Digital Citizenship Curriculum – Commonsense.org

Media Literacy – NEDC

Digital Citizenship – Screenagers

What is Digital Citizenship? – Screenagers

The information listed below is taken from the sources that are linked under the information.

There are several things you can do that can help to monitor and limit screentime and social media use:

• Use an app tracker
• Utilize parental controls
• Set your phone to grayscale
• Delete social media apps (Access the sites from a browser)
• Turn off push notifications
• Create “No phone zones” in your home or schedule
• Encourage pro-social media use and games
• Replace social media with other activities
  • Prioritize face-to-face connection
  • Stay informed via other media
  • Exercise
  • Get outside
  • Spend time on a creative hobby

If your family’s screentime needs a reset, consider a Social Media reboot:

1. Create scroll-free time and space. Find out how much time you’re spending on screens and online, and then choose a space (like before/after bed or during mealtimes) to put screens down. You can also consider going scree-free for a day.

2. Reclaim screentime for connection. Follow the tips above to reduce screentime and switch to connecting with others in person or over the phone.

3. Be free from manipulation. Opt-out of cross-app tracking, avoid feed recommendations, and try swapping feeds with someone else to see how you’re being targeted.

4. Take care before your share. Exercise critical thinking and media literacy skills and consider if it’s possible to share another way.

For more information about limiting screentime and social media use, explore the links below:

Parent Apps for Monitoring and Setting Parental Controls – Screenagers

Take a Social Media Reboot – The Social Dilemma

eBook and Education – iParent101