Since the onset of mobile devices and apps created for children and teens, the daily life of families in most countries has dramatically changed. Now, many toddlers have interactive digital devices at their fingertips as a great way for parents to have a happy dinner at a restaurant; a peaceful time when traveling with children for a long distance, as well as the use of an education app to encourage early learning or practice math facts. Have you noticed that once you share your device with your children, they don't want to return it to your hands?
We often throw up our hands and purchase an iPad for "learning," and before you know it, you have all kinds of apps keeping your children busy. The need for a handheld device only increases as your child becomes a middle schooler. Before you purchase a digital device for your middle schooler do you have a plan to safeguard your child?
Check out this Pews Research on childrens engagement with digital devices
As parents, it can be easy to justify letting our children use your device until we get worn-out sharing our phone. The solution often becomes buying a smartphone or iPad for your child. I found this statistic staggering!
Having been an educator, I know that there are positive impacts of technology for our toddler, early learner and elementary school child to help with learning words, numbers, as well as math facts like the dreaded times tables.
Did you set up guidelines and restrictions for the use of the device? If not....keep on reading! The research shows that children spending more than 3 hours a day on social media actually increase their risk for increased anxiety and depression. Surveys also show that 90% of teens have used social media and 75% have an active social media profile.
Growing issues and concerns - how we can safeguard our children
Young girls often become dissatisfied with their body due to social comparison, such as having a low-self esteem if being bullied. Parents may suddenly notice a change in eating behaviors which often leads to eating disorders.
Data shows that adolescents ages 13-17, when asked about the impact of social media on their body image... 46% say it makes them feel worse with only 14% saying it makes them feel better.
Close to 64% are often exposed to hate-based content.
As parents, we need to be aware that some social media platforms show suicide and self -harm content which has often been linked with childhood deaths.
Did you know that...
Nearly 1 in 3 teens are most often on their phones until midnight or later.
Over one-third of girls ages 11-15 say they feel addicted to certain social media platforms.
Over one-half of teenagers report it would be hard to give up social media.
Some children under the age of 13 using social media can have what is called "psychosocial outcomes" such as depression, anxiety, isolation and even thoughts of suicide as a result of Cyberbullying.
Over one-half of teenagers report it would be hard to give up social media
We all need to be aware of Online Predators who target children and teens to sexually exploit them, try to get money or sell them manufactured drugs.
Critical Gaps from the U.S. Surgeon General Says...
There is a lack of access to data and lack of transparency from technology companies to be able to understand the impact of social media on our children.
Recommendations for safeguarding our children when on Social Media?
Vote for Policymakers who can take steps to toughen safety standards and find ways to protect our child or teen's privacy.
Beware of Cyberbullying - Online harassment, being threathened or embrassed often by their peers
How we can help our kids: Be sure that you have a tech-free zone such as their bedroom which will ensure a good nights sleep, teach and model appropriate online behavior. Have a basket where all devices are place for family time and meals. (The best time to set boundries is when a child receives any device)
Model best practices: Limit time on any platform for the entire family, block unwanted content as well as educate our children about not sharing their personal information. Before providing your teenagers with a phone, it is crucial to educate them thoroughly, set clear guidelines and expectations, and inform them to reach out to you or a teacher in case they or a friend face harassment.
Safeguarding also mean we need to be aware of dangerous viral trends such as:
The eye ehallenge encouraged TikTok users to put a Ziploc bag of jelly, hand sanitizer, bleach, and shaving cream, near their eye, claiming that it would change its color.
The silhouette challenge sees women begin the video in casual clothes before a quick transition shows them in either lingerie or nude. The challenge sees them stand in a doorway, backlit by only a red light so that only their silhouette is visible. However, the Silhouette Challenge posed problems for participants when some people figured out how to edit the TikTok videos to reveal the women's bodies. Some of the edited clips were posted online without the women's consent.
The scalp popping trend challenged users to twist a piece of hair on the crown of someone's head around their fingers and pull upwards, producing a "popping" effect on their scalp. TikTok users reported feeling pain or even losing patches of hair when they tried the challenge, and doctors warned against taking part in the trend.
The burning pile challenge sees TikTok users begin the video dressed casually before a quick transition sees them suddenly dressed up, holding a lighter in front of their faces. However, when TikTok star Madi Monroe tried the trend, her hair caught on fire.
The Benadryl challenge encourages TikTok users to take excessive amounts of the medication to try to experience a high that could cause hallucinations.
The world we live in has been transformed. It is crucial for us to understand the risks associated with social media so we can educate our children and grandchildren. Kids tend to mimic our behavior when we are using social media platforms. Consider how much time your children observe you on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
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