Navigating the pitfalls of social media is daunting for any parent with a child old enough to venture into the digital world.
During a comprehensive hearing that lasted nearly four hours last week, tech leaders from Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and X faced questions from senators about the potential dangers their platforms could pose to young users. The discussions touched on grave concerns including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), instances of suicide, bullying, drug exposure, deadly online trends, extortion, eating disorders, and various mental health issues, all tied to social media usage.
Amidst the ubiquity of social media and smartphones in the lives of young individuals, the question arises: How can adults shield them from the myriad of dangers that lurk within direct messages and algorithm-driven content?
Legislative solutions seem distant. Despite the mention of over five proposed bills during the hearing, the likelihood of any passing in the near future remains slim, despite bipartisan interest. There are concerns that such laws could inadvertently harm LGBTQ+ teenagers or restrict access to vital information about history, politics, and sex education — mirroring the trend of book bans across the nation.
This leaves parents and teenagers to tackle these issues on their own. Rather than completely cutting off access to social media until they reach voting age, here are strategies for discussing the potential dangers of social media with your children.
Contextualize the risks
The threats that children face are not born out of social media; these issues are present in their everyday lives, from encounters with drugs within their social circles to the risk of sex trafficking by acquaintances, and the reflection of real-life bullying in online spaces.
However, social media can exacerbate these issues.
“Even if social media disappeared, these problems would persist because they have always been part of society,” explains Michelle Icard, author of “8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success.” “But social media introduces unique challenges to these existing issues.”
Discuss the broader societal issues with your children, not just the aspects related to social media.
Identify the real concerns
The goal isn’t to instil fear in parents but to educate and prepare them to recognize potential dangers.
Drugs in DMs: Social media has become a conduit for drug dealers to connect with young people, using ads, direct messages, and comments, and accepting payments through popular apps. The DEA highlights the risk of encountering drugs laced with fentanyl, which can be fatal.
Financial sextortion: Educate teens about common scams, including those targeting their demographic. Criminals often pose as potential romantic interests, then blackmail teenagers with compromising photos, demanding money to keep the images private.
Icard advises treating social media as any tool that can be beneficial or harmful. It’s important for children to learn how to navigate these platforms responsibly, just as they would learn to use a stove safely while cooking.
Viral challenges: Although many viral challenges are more hype than reality, some have led to serious injuries and deaths. For example, a 12-year-old died from asphyxiation after attempting an online “Blackout Challenge,” according to his family.
Mental health: The impact of social media on teen mental health is well-documented, with content promoting unhealthy behaviours like disordered eating or worse. The general use of social media and phones can also disrupt sleep and increase feelings of isolation.
Implement boundaries
Sleep disruption is a major concern with teens’ phone use. Experts recommend a full nine hours of sleep, but electronic devices can interrupt this.
“We see a clear connection between sleep, mental health, and the risk of suicide,” notes Lisa Damour, psychologist and author of “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers.”
Damour suggests keeping devices out of bedrooms to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
Delaying the introduction of social media is another strategy. While most platforms allow users aged 13 and up, waiting until at least 14 can be beneficial, as teenagers begin to assess the information they encounter critically.
“The balance here is to allow enough technology use for maintaining real-life friendships, without excessive exposure,” Damour states.
Ask about their online experiences
Understanding the content your child encounters online requires direct conversation. The algorithms that drive social media can feed users harmless and harmful content.
“Teenagers are observant and intelligent. Approach conversations with this in mind,” Damour advises. “Explain that social media algorithms prioritize profit over well-being, showing content that’s difficult to ignore.”
Maintain open dialogues, avoid overreaction
Frequent, honest discussions are key but approach them thoughtfully. Icard recommends letting children choose the time for these talks, echoing their concerns to show understanding, and avoiding worst-case scenario warnings that may seem exaggerated to them.
“Parents sometimes overemphasize danger,” Icard points out. “Discuss the realities of social media, teaching them to be sceptical without immediately jumping to extreme consequences.”
By focusing on factual information and equipping children with critical thinking skills, parents can more effectively guide their children through the complexities of social media.
