Social media has revolutionised the way that people interact.
We are persistently kept up to date with milestones in each others’ lives. As well as what our neighbour ate for breakfast.
Although social media has simplified communication, it also creates a whole lot of pressure for teenagers that was non-existent a decade ago. And teenagers and social media don’t always mix.
Here’s how social media can influence your teenager, and what you can do to help them achieve balance online.
Social media and teen identity
When the hormones kick in, kids become increasingly concerned by asserting an identity. Whereas the pressure to fit in used to subside when teens got home, 24 hour access to their peers online means that kids are now constantly aware of social expectations.
The consequences of these expectations – and the ridicule that accompanies not fitting in online – have become all too real. In 2012–2013, cyber bullying led to the suicide of 7 Australian teenagers.
While not all teens are victims of online harassment, the unceasing connection to their peers can nonetheless play a problematic role in their lives.
Problem: Unhealthy comparisons
New fashion, fitness or fun trends are always sweeping social media. While some of these fads are harmless to kids, others can lead teens to act recklessly or reflect negatively upon themselves. Beautified photos of fitness gurus raving about #cleaneating may create body image problems. Videos of planking can influence young people to take unnecessary risks for internet glory. In short, online trends don’t always stay online.
Solution: Open a dialogue
If you are concerned that your teen is being negatively impacted by online trends, remind them that what they see on social media isn’t the real world. Photoshop and digital filters are used to alter images. Posting foolish videos online can have significant consequences in reality – think job interviews! Although maintaining an online presence is natural (and often necessary) for young people nowadays, it is ultimately not the be all and end all.
Problem: No downtime
Relaxation is vital for a teenager’s development and ability to manage stress. Without time to switch off, they can become drained quickly. A major problem with social media is that the kids are constantly attached, and always multitasking – even in their downtime.
How often do you see your teen watching a movie and scrolling through their Facebook feed at the same time?
This multitasking means that teens aren’t switching off, and may become more exhausted, distracted and stressed as a result.
Solution: Establish boundaries
When your teen is at home, set boundaries around social media use. Don’t allow phones during a family conversation, and make sure that you allocate time to sit down together free from technology.
You might also like to try implementing a ‘one screen’ rule, where the kids aren’t allowed to play on their phone and watch TV at the same time. This may be met with protest and seem more than a bit ridiculous to your teen – and maybe to you! But by forcing separation from social media, you will help your teen to actually switch off in their downtime. Even if that means enduring a full episode of Toddlers and Tiaras.
Problem: Lack of sleep
Unlike a TV show or movie, social media doesn’t stop. It runs 24/7 and is accessible from almost every modern device. After switching off their bedroom light, many teens stay up for hours scrolling social media, losing sleep as a result. And a tired teenager is rarely a happy one!
Solution: Cut it down gently
The obvious solution to this problem is to cut out all access to social media overnight. Switch off the internet and charge your teen’s phone in your own bedroom. However, this initiative is a pretty drastic measure – you want to show trust in your child and let them make their own decisions.
Instead, start off by having an honest conversation with your teen about social media and their sleeping habits. The next time you notice them attached to their phone when they could be sleeping, gently point it out. By making your teen more aware of their habits you can guide them toward choosing sleep over status updates independently – and avoid an argument!
Remember to lead by example
As a parent, you must always lead by example. Social media is no exception.
Teenagers and social media go hand in hand. Make sure you stay connected to this aspect of your child’s life by understanding what the different platforms do.
If you are online yourself, ensure that are modelling healthy behaviour. Post positively and use social networking in moderation. You can start by liking Clarity Road on Facebook, or following us on Twitter!
