Social media is a minefield for people of any age, but it’s especially dangerous for our youth. The “algorithm” does not have your children’s best interests at heart, and it’s up to you as a parent, caregiver or educator to help kids “see around corners” when it comes to the potential perils of social media.
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"These electronic addictions result in huge time shifts away from family interactions. Even when family members are together, you see the intrusion of devices."
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
"Phones and social media are dangerous, dangerous, dangerous. ... any benefit from the ability to 'find online communities' of like-minded young people is far outweighed by the risk of being exposed to (and addicted to) inappropriate and dangerous content."
Algorithmic Influence
"The algorithm isn't a parent. It's not a friend. It doesn't care about you or your child or anyone else. It cares about your eyeballs; it cares about getting you addicted."
Impact on Mental Health
"It is seriously disrupting learning and thereby undercutting preparation for the next level of life. Put simply, it is putting an entire generation at risk."
Advice for Parents
Being the Best Voice
"You are not the only voice in your child’s ear, so you’d better be the best voice in that ear. Keep them off social media until they’re thirteen. When they’re on the phone, set clear limits on both content and screen time."
Awareness and Action
"This is one reason why I have repeatedly said to parents, 'You will not be the only voice in your child’s ear, so you must certainly be the best voice your child’s ear'."
Additional Resources
The Organization for Social Media Safety
Offers education, advocacy, and technology development to make social media safer for everyone. They provide a range of programs and services including school-based social media safety presentations, corporate presentations, family consultations, and a free SuperCourse for parents aimed at teaching effective systems to keep children safe on social media.
The Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, aims to serve as a centralized, trusted source for evidence-based education and technical assistance to support the mental health of children and adolescents navigating social media. They offer resources and programs to help families develop healthy digital habits and manage the impact of social media on youth mental health.
An independent nonprofit focused on transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. They provide care, education, and science-based approaches to support children and families. Their services include clinical care at centers in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, online resources for families, and research into the causes of mental health and learning disorders.
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