Should children use social networks?

The impact of social networks on children depends on the maturity level of each subject. (Photo: NYT)

The American Psychological Association (APA) urged parents to limit children's exposure to TikTok, Facebook and Instagram in its report. The APA made 10 recommendations for parents, teachers, policymakers, tech companies and health care workers to ensure children develop healthy social media habits.

According to APA President Thema Bryant, social media is neither entirely beneficial nor harmful to young people. However, due to their different maturity levels, some are more vulnerable than others when exposed to content on multiple platforms. Science has shown that they can affect healthy development.

The APA compares teaching safe and healthy social media use to driver training.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, children are using social media more than ever. 95% of American teenagers say they have an account on a platform. Parents have also noticed changes in their children. More than half of parents with children under 18 feel their children’s mental health has been affected by social media use, according to The Harris Poll.

The APA advises parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and minimize their exposure to content that promotes self-harm, eating disorders, and other “high-risk” behaviors. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to limit children’s exposure to content that promotes prejudice or hate against others based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

Other recommendations include limiting content related to appearance and beauty and ensuring use does not interfere with sleep or physical activity.

An early sign that social media is having a negative impact on children is a change in mood, according to Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. When children experience things like depression or anxiety, they become irritable and angry rather than sad and excited, she said. Parents should look for changes in their children’s moods and behavior.

Some other unhealthy signs include being demanding, losing educational opportunities or relationships, and lying to get access to social media.

(According to The Hill)

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