Social Media and Youth
Do you think your child may have a social media addiction? Is social media use preventing your child from sleep or giving them poor self esteem? Do you think your child may be bullied on social media? Special guest Dr. Nirmeen Rajani, a Clinical Psychologist from Primary Care Psychology Associates, reviews the effects of social media use on children and teens in a wonderful discussion called “Does My Child really have 500 Friends.”
She talks with NP’s Karen and Jean about the various social media platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, WhatsApp, Musical.ly and LinkedIn. The positive and negative effects of social media use on youth are discussed. In Dr. Rajani’s podcast, we hear confessions from students about how social media makes them feel and how it affects their sleep and their behavior. Over use of social media can lead to addiction-type behaviors in which Dr. Rajani can successfully treat in the office. Methods on how to speak to your child about healthy, safe, and appropriate use of social media are recommended. Listen for methods of monitoring a child’s potential over use of social media and how to talk to your child about bullying online.
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Concrete talking points for parents:
- Hey, I’m curious about the new social media sites youth use now a days…
- What do you like about (FB, Snapchat, YoBo…)
- What have your interactions been like on (site)?
- How did you feel when you saw the picture of your friend vacating in Paris and you had to be in summer school?
- What kind of friendships do you hope for?
- Are your social media interactions fulfilling? Do they make you feel any negative emotions?
- Have you thought about your usage? Can we work together to make it more meaningful for you?
- Have you ever felt pressured into doing or saying something on (site) that made you uncomfortable?
- You know I would always protect you right?
- Do you need to talk to someone about how you feel?
References:
Carroll, J.A. & Kirkpatrick, R.L. (2011). Impact of social media on adolescent behavioral health. Oakland, CA: California Adolescent Health Collaborative.
Chau, C. (2010). You Tube as a participatory culture. Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 128, 65-74.
Clarke-Pearson, K., O’Keeffe, G., (2011). The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families. Retrieved fromhttp://pediatrics.aappublications.org
Rosen, L.D., (2011). Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts onKids. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org