Sarah, a single mother of a fourteen-year-old, named Emily. is a high school teacher,well-versed in the challenges of dealing with teenagers but finds herself struggling to understand the digital world Emily is growing up in. Emily, like most teenagers, is totally immersed in social media, spending hours scrolling through Instagram feeds and posting video updates about her life on TikTok.
Sarah found a book called “The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults” and it was a game changer. She learned about the science behind our brains, like why we’re so hooked on the instant gratification of social media. She also discovered the potential dangers of too much screen time, like cyberbullying, privacy issues and the pressure to look perfect online.
As Sarah reads, she discovers the fascinating science behind the teenage brain, learning about its unique strengths and vulnerabilities. She learns about the heightened sensitivity to rewards and the underdeveloped impulse control that characterizes the teenage years. She begins to understand why Emily is so enamored with the instant gratification of likes and comments on social media.
She then realizes that Emily’s late-night scrolling could be interfering with her sleep and that her obsession with capturing the perfect selfie could be affecting her self-esteem.
After her extensive research, Sarah sets boundaries for screen time, ensuring Emily balances her online activities with offline ones. She teaches Emily about online privacy and the importance of not sharing personal information online. She also helps Emily understand that not everything she sees online is true or real, reducing the pressure Emily feels to live up to unrealistic standards.
As time passes, Emily’s relationship with social media evolves. She becomes more mindful of her online behavior, treating others with respect and thinking twice before posting. She starts spending less time online and more time engaging in real-life activities. After 90 days, Emily has developed a healthier relationship with social media, using it as a tool for self-expression and learning instead of stress and anxiety.
I’ve seen this kind of transformation in my own life and in my friends’ lives. In my book, “The Teenage Guide to Success“, I talk about how we can use social media to build our future success. But it’s not just about using it, it’s about using it wisely.
Understanding the Risks of Social Media
While social media can be a powerful tool for learning and self-expression, it also presents certain risks for teenagers. Cyberbullying, privacy issues, and the pressure to maintain a perfect online image can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Additionally, excessive screen time can interfere with physical activity, sleep, and real-life social interactions.
As a parent, it’s important to be aware of these potential dangers and take proactive steps to mitigate them. Here are some strategies to help your teen have a healthier relationship with social media:
Promoting Healthy Social Media Use
- Open Communication: Regularly discuss the potential risks and benefits of social media with your teen. Encourage them to share their online experiences and be ready to listen without judgment. This can help them feel comfortable coming to you with any issues they encounter online.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish reasonable limits for screen time and ensure your teen is balancing online activities with offline ones. This can include hobbies, physical activity, and face-to-face social interactions.
- Privacy Settings: Teach your teen about the importance of online privacy. This includes setting their social media accounts to private, not sharing personal information online, and only accepting friend or follow requests from people they know. I know of several teens that have ruined their reputations by not understanding why most things need to remain private.
- Digital Literacy: Help your teen understand that not everything they see online is true or real. This can help reduce the pressure they may feel to live up to unrealistic standards portrayed on social media. For example, in my dad’s line of work as a Marketer he works with influencers on a regular basis. He has shown me that 95% of them are not as wealthy or happy as they appear.
- Positive Online Behavior: Encourage your teen to treat others with respect online, just as they would in person. Remind them that their words and actions can have a significant impact on others.
Promoting good behavior is equally important. Encourage your teen to treat others with respect in their interactions as they would in person. Remind them that their words and actions hold weight and can greatly impact others.
Personally, I have witnessed how the digital age can be both a blessing and a curse. For teenagers. Sarah and Emily’s story illustrates this reality. Sarah initially struggled to navigate her daughter’s use of social media platforms. However, she didn’t allow that to deter her. She took the initiative to educate herself, Initiate a conversation, and establish healthy guidelines for Emily.
The outcome? Emily transformed from a user of media into an informed and responsible digital citizen. She acquired the skills to utilize media as a tool for growth rather than allowing it to cause stress.
This example can serve as a reminder for all parents. While the digital realm may be intricate and ever-evolving, effective communication and employing strategies will help your teens navigate it. It may not always be effortless. It is unquestionably worthwhile since the well-being of your children is at stake.
