Here are some signs that suggest it’s time to cut back on social media usage
Unite for Safe Social Media recommends parents and kids have ongoing conversations about social media use. Learn from one another as you share an app or two. Talk about how you are benefitting from social media and stay on top of new apps your kids are using. Ask your kids to help you with a technological challenge! Enjoy and maximize platforms while minimizing the risks.
But if you do sense your child is consumed by showing personality changes and disinterest in normal activities, here are specific signs to watch for:
Fatigue
Teenagers need nine hours of sleep per night, yet 70% of teens report they check their smartphones at least once in the middle of the night.
Withdrawal
Is your child withdrawing from normal activities they used to engage in?
Manipulating truth
When your child starts telling untruths that are devious or lies, it may be a sign they’re using too much social media.
Personality changes
When you child’s personality changes depending on whether they’re on their screen or off their screen, that could be a sign it’s time to cut back on social media usage. Emotional or intense outbursts while on screens, questioning their self worth or purpose, and expressing sadness or hopelessness are all signs that your child may be spending too much time on their smartphone.
Lack of focus
If maintaining attention to one task is difficult and your child redirects attention within a 10-15 minute period of time, that could be a sign they may be overusing social media.
Body Dysmorphia
A preoccupation with their body and its flaws could be a sign of using too much social media.
When talking about social media use, be curious. Be respectful. Never demonize the smartphone. Genuinely inquire and then listen to understand. Suggest a different perspective about time on screen as an example. But please remember, social media platforms are intentionally addictive as they’re built with persuasive design. The platforms want to keep us all, including kids (without mature brain development until 25), online as long as possible. Time equals profit. So, it is no one’s fault. It is an unfair fight but one we can win together with moderate screen time (3.5 hours/day is recommended by American Psychological Association) that enables tweens/teens to flourish!