Scrolling Safely: How Social Media Affects Your Child’s Health

By David K. McIntosh, MD, Pediatrician, Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health Medical Practice

In today’s digital age, social media is like a virtual playground for your kids. Not only does it encourage freedom of expression and creativity, but you can learn about everything and anything! You can swim with sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef, race laps in the Daytona 500 or learn how the world’s largest pizza is made. It’s like having a never-ending library of fascinating facts and adventures right at your fingertips.

But just like any playground, there are some areas that aren’t so fun. From the pressure to look perfect like the influencers they follow to nonstop scrolling, social media can pose risks to your child’s well-being.

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Social media and your child’s well-being

While social media offers a virtual world of excitement, it can also impact your child’s mental health. Constant exposure to filtered images of “perfect” lives can sometimes make children feel like they don’t measure up.

This could lead to feelings of:

Increased risk of anxiety, stress and depression.

Seeing only the best parts of other people’s lives can make your child feel like they’re not good enough or missing out on something. From the pressure to buy the most popular water bottle on the market to their fear of missing out on the latest dance challenge at recess, social media can sometimes provide a rollercoaster of emotions for children. You can help lower the pressure of social media by helping them focus on their own unique strengths and interests.

Negative effects on a child’s self-esteem and body image

Social media has a way of playing tricks on your child’s self-esteem and body image. An endless catalog of flawless photos for them to compare themselves to might make them think negatively of themselves. Chasing after impossible standards can bring them down and trigger unhealthy eating habits. You could encourage them to embrace their uniqueness and remind them true beauty shines from within.

Disrupted sleep patterns and physical health

Did you know excessive screen time can wreak havoc on their sleep, especially at night? The glowing screens emit blue light that tricks their brains into thinking it’s daytime and can make it tough to fall asleep. Lack of sleep (and growing teens need more sleep) can make your teenager more vulnerable to sickness and make them feel sluggish the next day. Setting screen time limits and swapping out their phone with a book can help them drift off to sleep.

As parents, it’s important to understand the risks of social media and take proactive steps to protect your child no matter their age. Encouraging healthy social media habits, setting screen time limits and having open conversations about body image and self-esteem can help protect your child’s well-being.

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Addressing online safety and cyberbullying with your child

With so many social media platforms popping up left and right, keeping your child safe online is more important now than ever.

There are several ways you can promote online safety for your child:

Speak openly. Establish an open line of communication with your child. Encourage them to talk to you if they encounter issues online.
Parental control. Regularly monitor your child’s online activity by restricting access to inappropriate content, tracking their internet usage and setting screen time limits.
Privacy settings. Educate them about the potential dangers of sharing personal information and the importance of controlling who can see their posts on their social media accounts.
Online etiquette. Encourage them to think twice before posting or sharing something that could potentially harm or offend themselves or others.

Recognizing signs of cyberbullying is essential for providing timely support. This might include:

Changes in emotional and physical behavior

This could include mood swings, irritability, sadness, sudden outbursts of anger, headaches or stomachaches.

Withdrawal from social activities

You might see them lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or in social interactions with friends and family. They may suddenly want to spend more time alone in their room and avoid social gatherings altogether.

Sudden drop in academic performance

Pay attention to a decline in grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork. Encourage them to talk about their day by asking how school was and what was their favorite thing they learned that day.

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.

Social media’s academic impact on your child

While social media offers a plethora of entertainment and opportunities for self-expression, it’s also a gold mine for educational content. Beyond the cat memes and dance challenges, social media offers resources that can benefit your child’s academic performance. From educational videos about American history to algebra-focused study groups, these platforms provide an abundance of tools to enhance your child’s learning experience. They can even serve as inspiration boards, which can spark ideas and creativity for school assignments.

However, as with any good thing, moderation is key. While social media has its academic perks, finding a healthy balance between screen time and study time is crucial. Carving out dedicated study time and silencing notifications help minimize interruptions. Constant pings and alerts can disrupt concentration, which can decrease productivity and lead to procrastination. A quiet and distraction-free study space can help your child create productive study habits and improve their academic performance.

When you should seek help from a pediatrician about your child’s social media use

Keep an eye out for any shifts in behavior, mood or physical well-being that could signal distress. If you notice increased withdrawal, academic difficulties or signs of anxiety or depression, it’s important to consider seeking help from your child’s pediatrician.

Keeping up with annual physicals can help their doctor evaluate emotional behaviors, including anxiety, depression and stress. Their primary care provider can refer mental health professionals, who can provide support tailored to your child’s specific needs if necessary. Pediatricians can also help create healthy boundaries for social media engagement to help promote a balanced online experience.

Don’t hesitate to explore online resources for additional guidance. There are websites, forums and online communities dedicated to mental health and parenting and can offer valuable insights and practical advice. Additionally, encouraging your child to spend time doing offline activities such as reading, drawing, riding their bike or shooting basketball hoops can provide a healthy outlet for stress.

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Dr. David K. McIntosh is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, and he provides primary care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. He is a skilled diagnostician and enjoys motivating his patients toward addressing their own individual health needs. He especially enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, promoting both physical and emotional health as they mature. He is an advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community. During his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping. In addition to being a physician, he’s also an Episcopal priest and spiritual counselor in Northwest Connecticut.