Social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect, express ourselves, and share experiences. However, it can be challenging when dealing with our teenagers' digital lives. How can you help your teens find a healthy balance in the online world?
When social media use becomes a problem
The term 'social media addiction' describes a pattern of excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms that can impact mental health, relationships and academic performance. While the term often sparks discussions and headlines, it's worth considering if this term accurately captures problematic social media use.
While parents might observe what appears to be compulsive behaviour in their children, professionals have differing opinions on whether labelling it as 'addiction' is entirely fitting. In this article, I'll use the term to describe problematic social media use.
What to look out for:
- Being constantly distracted by social media while doing other activities
- Experiencing 'withdrawal symptoms' when not using social media, neglecting personal hygiene or sleeping due to excessive social media use.
6 steps to help your teen with social media addiction
If you've noticed your teen is spending excessive time online and withdrawing from activities offline, you have seen changes in their mood and declining academic performance; this could be a sign of social media addiction. Social media usage can increase loneliness, anxiety, and depression among adolescents. So, what steps can you take to support them?
- Open communication: Discuss this with your teen to work out strategies together. Working together is more likely to produce positive results compared to imposing solutions. Create an environment that allows them to talk to you about their online experiences. If they feel comfortable sharing what they enjoy about their online interactions, they'll be more likely to open up about their challenges.
- Set healthy boundaries; Balancing online time with offline activities is crucial. Remind your teen of the activities they enjoy away from screens, such as sports, reading, or spending time with friends in person. Consider implementing designated screen-free times and establishing tech-free zones in the house, such as bedrooms.
- Lead by example: Remember that your kids are watching and learning from what you do. Be a positive role model by practising healthy tech habits yourself. The screen-free times and tech-free zones go for you, too! You might be surprised at the positive impact of stowing phones away and out of reach, particularly overnight.
- Encourage offline interests: Support them to explore real-world hobbies and interests such as dance, sports, crafts, and cosplay. Help them find a balance between their virtual and real-world experiences.
- Maintain a balanced view: Social media is not all bad. It is an excellent platform for creativity, learning and connecting with friends when used consciously.
- Help them to regulate their use: Self-regulation is difficult for tweens and teens because of where they are developmentally. Help them work this out. Chat with them about the potential impact of excessive use on them. They are likely aware of the risks of cyberbullying and online harassment (unfortunately).
The pressure of comparing themselves to others' curated online lives can result in low self-esteem and a distorted sense of reality. Help them set their goals for their screen time by working collaboratively with them. You can gently guide them without being forceful or dictatorial – that's a surefire way to robust resistance.
You could:
- Encourage them to take up sports like football, basketball or activities like cycling or hiking. These not only encourage physical fitness but also provide a break from screens.
- Suggest artistic pursuits like painting, drawing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument. These hobbies can be both relaxing and fulfilling.
- Reading physical books or magazines can be a fantastic way to escape the digital world and dive into different stories and knowledge.
Are you concerned about your teen's relationship with social media?
If you are worried about your teenager's excessive use of social media, you can seek guidance and support from a professional counsellor like me, who specialises in working with parents of adolescents. We can work together to develop strategies for promoting healthy online habits and strengthening family relationships. Don't hesitate to get in touch here to schedule a session.