Now a days overuse of social media and electronic gadgets is a top parental concern. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that 90% of parents with children under the age of 18 are concerned about the amount of time their children spend using screens.
As children return to school, two problems have risen to the top of their parent’s concerns, the impact of social media and the internet on children’s life.
According to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, more than half of parents rank mental health issues as the top health concern for their children and teens.
There are a number of reasons why parents are concerned about their children’s overuse of social media and electronic gadgets. First, they worry that it is having a negative impact on their children’s physical and mental health. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to problems such as obesity, sleep deprivation, and depression.
Second, parents are also concerned about the negative social and emotional impact of social media and electronic gadgets. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to cyberbullying, social isolation, and anxiety.
Third, parents are also concerned about the safety of their children online. Studies have shown that children who use social media are more likely to be exposed to inappropriate content, such as violence, pornography, and hate speech.
“Parents still view problems directly impacting physical health, including unhealthy eating and obesity, as important children’s health issues. But these have been overtaken by concerns about mental health, social media and screen time,” said Mott Poll co-director and Mott pediatrician Susan Woolford, MD, MPH.
Two-thirds of parents are worried about children’s increased time on devices, including overall screen time and use of social media, taking the No.1 and No.2 spots on the list of children’s health concerns this year, according to the nationally representative poll.
“Children are using digital devices and social media at younger ages, and parents may struggle with how to appropriately monitor use to prevent negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, social connections and habits that may interfere with sleep and other areas of health,” Woolford said.
Screen time became a growing concern for parents during the pandemic, previous reports suggest. Woolford encourages parents to regularly evaluate their children’s use of technology and consider limiting use if they notice signs of unhealthy interactions or behaviours. Certain social media and device settings can also help protect kids.
Parents can take a number of steps to address their concerns about their children’s overuse of social media and electronic gadgets. First, they can set limits on the amount of time their children spend using screens. Second, they can talk to their children about the dangers of social media and electronic gadgets and how to use them safely. Third, they can monitor their children’s online activity and block inappropriate websites.
It is also important for parents to be good role models for their children. If parents are constantly using their phones and computers, their children are more likely to do the same. Parents should try to model healthy screen time habits for their children.
Here are some specific tips for parents to help reduce their children’s overuse of social media and electronic gadgets:
- Set screen time limits for your children and stick to them.
- Create screen-free zones in your home, such as the bedroom and the dinner table.
- Encourage your children to participate in activities that do not involve screens, such as playing outside, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of social media and electronic gadgets, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content.
- Monitor your children’s online activity and block inappropriate websites.
- Be a good role model for your children by limiting your own screen time.
It is important to note that there are also some benefits to children’s use of social media and electronic gadgets. For example, social media can help children stay connected with friends and family members who live far away. Electronic gadgets can also be educational and entertaining.
However, it is important for parents to balance the benefits and risks of their children’s use of social media and electronic gadgets. By setting limits, monitoring their children’s online activity, and talking to their children about the dangers of social media and electronic gadgets, parents can help their children use these technologies safely and responsibly.