08/01/2024
As your child prepares to head back to school, now is a great time to discuss the importance of online safety and healthy social media habits.
By David K. McIntosh, MD, Pediatrician, Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health Medical Practice
Transitioning from the freedom of summer to the structure of school can be challenging, especially if your child enjoyed extra screen time during summer vacation. With the new school year approaching, now is the perfect time to discuss the importance of keeping personal information private and finding joy in social media responsibly.
Start the school year off right by making education a top priority! Learn how to manage internet distractions and help your child focus on themselves and their academics.
Related content: 4 back-to-school tips to prepare for a healthy year
How to help your child build confidence despite social media pressure
While social media offers a virtual world of excitement, it can also negatively impact your child’s mental health. Constant exposure to filtered images of “perfect” lives can sometimes make children feel like they don’t quite measure up.
This could lead to feelings of:
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Anxiety
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Stress
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Depression
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Low self-esteem
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Fatigue
You can help reduce the pressure of social media by encouraging them to focus on their own unique strengths and interests. Remind them everyone is special in their own way and individuality is what makes them different!
Related content: Stressed out? Discover the effect of stress on the brain and ways to manage it.
Help them embrace their individuality by joining in on their hobbies. If your child is interested in cooking, establish a “build-your-own pizza night” once a week. Not only is pizza a crowd pleaser, but it will be something your child looks forward to! Plus, they can get creative with toppings and make something different each week!
To help your child build confidence, partake in activities they find joy in. Whether that’s drawing cartoons, learning about the solar system, or playing a board game— when you show interest in their hobbies, they can feel proud for teaching you something. Not only will they be happy to spend time with you, but being involved in their favorite activities can help strengthen your relationship.
Find a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me.
Tips to keep your child safe online
Essentially, the world is at your child’s fingertips. They have access to the same websites and apps that you do. Unless you have a conversation about how to stay safe online and put safety measures into place, your child is free to roam the world wide web.
Here are a few ways to promote online safety for your child:
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Speak openly with your child: Become your child’s sounding board. Establish trust and encourage them to talk to you about any issues they encounter online or in general.
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Use privacy settings: Educate your child about the dangers of sharing personal details such as their name, address, phone number and personal interests. Their social media profile and posts should only be visible to people they know.
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Practice online etiquette: Encourage your child to follow the golden rule and treat others how they would want to be treated. They should think twice before posting or sharing anything that could be disrespectful to others.
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Use parental controls: Regularly monitor and limit your child’s online activity by restricting access to inappropriate content and limiting the amount of time they spend on their device.
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Set screen time limits: Excessive screentime can wreak havoc on your child well-being, especially their sleep. Lack of sleep can make them more vulnerable to sickness and make them feel sluggish the next day.
Related content: Fall health guide: Key steps to ready yourself for autumn illnesses
Recognizing signs of cyberbullying in your child
Teaching your child responsible online behavior can go a long way in creating a safe online environment and prevent cyberbullying. If you suspect your child is being targeted, reassure them they are not alone and you are there to support them.
Signs of cyberbullying might include:
Changes in emotional and physical behavior
Look out for mood swings, irritability, sadness, sudden outbursts of anger, headaches or stomachaches. These could be signs of cyberbullying.
Withdrawal from social activities
Your child may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or withdraw from social interactions with friends and family. They might spend time alone in their room or avoid social gatherings.
Drop in academic performance
Pay attention to a decline in grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork. Encourage open dialogue by asking about their day, such as what exciting things they learned or what surprised them.
Find a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me.
How to help your child create productive study habits
While social media offers plenty of entertainment and opportunities for self-expression, it’s also a gold mine for educational content. From educational videos about American history to algebra-focused study groups, these platforms can enhance your child’s learning experience.
However, as with any good thing, moderation is key. Despite the academic benefits of social media, carving out dedicated study time is necessary for a productivity. Creating a quiet and distraction-free study space can help your child develop productive study habits and improve their academic performance.
The bottom line: Navigating social media can be both enriching and challenging for children. Nevertheless, you can’t stop your child from surfing the web, but you can help them make smarter choices. By encouraging open communication, practicing responsible online behavior and prioritizing balanced screen time, you can influence their decision on the content they consume, produce and with whom they share it with.
