{"id":104,"date":"2018-03-28T12:09:47","date_gmt":"2018-03-28T16:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpeclinicblog.com\/?p=104"},"modified":"2018-03-28T12:09:47","modified_gmt":"2018-03-28T16:09:47","slug":"healthy-connections-your-kids-and-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpeclinicblog.com\/?p=104","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Connections: Your Kids and Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to think about social \"\"<\/a>media as parents.\u00a0 By Stephanie Streb MHS, MS, RN, PHNA-BC
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Let\u2019s face it- mobile devices are a pervasive part of our lives these days.\u00a0 We use them, our kids use them.\u00a0 But how much is good for them? And what do we do when things have gone awry?<\/span><\/p>\n

Smartphones usage can be <\/span>addictive, provide an academic distraction, impair sleep, interfere with social relationships, increase risk of depression, and increase risk of cyber bullying and exposure to inappropriate sexual content (AAP, 2016; <\/span>B\u00e9langer et al. , 2011)<\/span>. <\/span>We also know that teens use devices positively: to access learning opportunities, to express themselves, and to serve as gateways to civic issues and causes. So how do we balance positive use with safety concerns?\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

After reviewing many research studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics publicized general recommendations about screen usage in 2016.\u00a0 The AAP suggests setting limits on time and type of media permitted; making sure media use does not interfere with sleep, dinnertime, and other healthy behaviors; and cultivating on-going communication about online citizenship and safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Set appropriate boundaries on Internet\/Smartphone use.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Start by talking to your child. More than likely, they have some pretty good ideas about where the limits should be, and you can go from there. Taking a collaborative approach reinforces mature decision making, and empowers your child and the relationship. A 2012 Pew Research Center study found that almost all teens surveyed used their real name and photo, while many also used their birthdate and town where they lived.<\/span>\u00a0 We also know that teens who are educated on the importance of online safety are more likely to use some of those measures to keep themselves safe than those who are not educated. So start by de\"\"<\/a>ciding on some smartphone-free areas of the house such as the dining room and bedrooms. Ask that all devices be used in communal spaces in the home and with others present (not the bedroom!). Create a family charging station and ask that all phones be docked at dinnertime and by 9pm. These are just some suggestions that have worked for clients, but work together as a family to decide what works best for you.<\/span><\/s><\/p>\n

Set an example.<\/span><\/b> We are so tempted to fill all our bits of down-time looking at our phones.\u00a0 We sit on the train, in the car, and in a clinican\u2019s waiting room looking at our phones, playing games, checking the news, etc.\u00a0 We need to set the examples for our kids. When with your children, if you need to use your smartphone, be sure to tell them the nature of what you are doing and that it is urgent. Do you best to return to being present with them wherever you are. Social media, online games, and the news can wait. If interested, families may customize and print a Family Media Use Plan at <\/span>HealthyChildren.org\/MediaUsePlan<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Develop an escape plan.<\/span><\/b> If your child is bullied or threatened by online content, what should they do? To whom do they go for help? Discuss strategies in advance and have a plan.\u00a0 Strategies include ending interactions, deleting of apps and profiles, blocking content.\u00a0 Talk to the school administration and your child\u2019s mental health care provider.\u00a0 The situation may warrant contacting the police or other appropriate authorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider software.<\/span><\/b> Many parents worry about cyberbullying and harassment, explicit photographs\/images, illegal content, and sexual solicitations. You may need to consider using filtering, blocking, or monitoring software.\u00a0 Some apps and devices are able to tailor internet access and manage usage like a digital allowance. Whereas it may be useful, it does have limits, and it should be only part of the overall strategy for keeping your child safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Change the conversation. <\/span><\/b>Why not wait? In addition to the headaches that come with setting usage limits and worrying about content, smartphones are expensive. Wait Until 8th<\/sup> is an online pledge for parents to delay giving their children a smartphone until at least the 8th<\/sup> grade.\u00a0 The goal is to decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike, and create a positive community of parents.\u00a0 And remember, if your child needs access to a phone at a younger age, basic phones make and receive calls and text messages too!<\/span><\/p>\n

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RESOURCES:<\/span><\/p>\n

CircleTM<\/sup> with Disney<\/span><\/p>\n