A parent’s guide to social media and teen mental health is pivotal in today’s digital era. They are using it without any break, without resting; they even have not set a certain time for using social media. Social media has a wide range of users throughout the universe, as it has a positive and negative impact on teen mental health and constantly changes the mind of a teen by using the wrong site sometimes. So it is important for a parent’s guide to social media and teen mental health to take care of their teen children before it’s too late to handle them.
Look into their influences.
Social media is one of the influence aspects as it changes the perspective of young teen, peer, and social circle exposure to idealized images as teen concern only their self-image and fame that can affect directly on teen mental health.
Encourage your teen to discuss openly.
Parents encourage their teen children, especially, to discuss anything with them.
Open conversation is very important between the parent and teen. It should be a non-judgmental conversation, as teens are much more concerned about the privacy of their social media. Parents ask their teens about the most recent social apps they use.
Set limited usage of social media.
Parents should set limited boundaries for their teens and restrict them from using over-screen time as it harms their eye and mental health. Help them teach ethics by not using any social media sites while sitting with family or any relatives.
Setting balance
Setting a balance between online and offline activity. Encourage your teen to do activities that are not related to social media, like sports, which are more helpful for physical and mental health; hobbies that involve them practically and make them tension-free; and spending time with friends and family, which bond them in every situation.
Appearance online
Appear yourself on social media; do not portray yourself in an in an exaggerated form that will impact teen mental health as they follow you and idealize you. Keep it real and do not motivate teens to join social media, saying it gives them joy and money for doing nothing other than doing vulgar things.
Privacy and checkout
Keep an eye on what social media app your teen is using, but respect your teen’s privacy. Check their online activity timely, but do not burden your teen’s social activity by asking irrelevant questions or raising unnecessary doubts.
Inform your teen about cyberbullying and online harassment.
Social media, on the other hand, is worst for teens, especially as they are easily afraid of cyberbullying and harassment because they lack knowledge on how to deal with it. Parents’ guidance will guide them on the on the right path to resolve any conflict.
Guide them to positive takeovers.
Guide your teen about challenges and teach them to take them with empathy and generosity; avoid hate comments and negativity on social media. Take positive takeovers from haters online.
Take immediate help.
Teach your teen about immediate help from any trusted source or any loved one who they rely on. Keep an eye on your teen’s mental health, as it is very important to avoid any trouble.
Alaska journalist and writer about teen mental health
Alaska journalist writer explains about teen mental health that a parent’s guide to social media is important as it acknowledges the social media exposure and impact on teens. To guide your teen on the on the right path and face challenges about bad happenings on social media.
Conclusion
Parents should watch their teens regular social media activity and guide teens about the downfall of social media usage.
Ceezar Martison’s author emphasizes the effects of social media on teens and how to overcome them by guiding parents about social media, which will help you reach your teen about any query related to social media.