Sara Powell Art Psychotherapist HCPC, UK Reg
As much as I’m active on social media, professionally and as a parent I’m concerned over the psychological consequence of the ‘downside’ to social media use; safeguarding concerns, online predators, over-sexualized content, cyber bullying and a heightened risk for being targeted with online crime. A 2019 study of more than 12,000 13 to 16 year olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and wellbeing in teens. It can provide an unhealthy distraction, disturb sleep, expose us to rumor spreading, and with unrealistic perceptions of other people’s lives, affecting body image, self esteem exacerbating ‘peer pressure’, all in all falsifying a ‘picture perfect’ representation of life. It can set for some unrealistic and unhealthy expectations.
There is constant threat and bombardment of ‘fake news’, a term commonly used in western media which many are familiar with. Nonetheless, there is truth to this. For children in particular, they are vulnerable, it’s even harder to spot when a story is either not true or not entirely true, unintentional or a deliberate spreading of either misinformation or disinformation. As an adult I’m unsure if I can even spot the more subtle overtures of misinformation. This issue is exacerbated by social media, even unintentionally, it’s a quick go to news source. Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and limited social interactions, there is a heightened digital footprint, and with that, potentially higher risk of exposure.
Social media is a perpetual information wheel with a captured audience, many can take advantage of the available platforms to easily spread subliminal or overt misinformation to promote products, lifestyle and worse distorted ideology.
On reflection, we all need to do our part, be more accurate with choice of words and what we share and portray as ‘real’. To remain vigilant and mindful not to overshare personal information, ultimately keeping ourselves safe, teaching our children when and how to keep and maintain a balance of ‘private’ information.
So what can parents do?
Talk about the ups and downs of social media. Don’t respond angrily when exposed to what your children are viewing or whom they are interacting with. Let’s work at maintaining an open path of communication as a form of prevention. Crime, bullying, exploitation can fall under the radar and at times go unnoticed until it is too late and reached the crisis point.
Model a dose of reality.
Set appropriate boundaries. There are apps to also monitor accounts and increasingly safeguard your children. Yes, I’m in favor of this! Let your children be a part of this discussion, know it, and educate them on the the countries cyber crime laws and how to safeguard and safely use technology.
Set boundaries and talk about the impact of spreading rumors, and draw attention to the consequences. Help your child practice healthy communication and conflict management.
Encourage face-to-face contact with friends, parallel to interaction online, when practicable. Arguably this is more of an issue now due to COViD-19 pandemic.
Let’s equip ourselves and our children with life skills to deal with what is out there, be open, be part of it, manage it and be even more vigilant. Having said all this, a healthy dose of distraction, let’s say via cute puppy reels may not after all, time to time be a bad thing!
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