What can you do if you think your teen is already developing unhealthy social media habits?

Many parents are concerned about how much their children use social media and what content they may encounter.

Amid proposals to ban teenagers under 16 of social media and calls for better education about how to stay safe online, how do you know if your child’s social media use is already a problem? And what steps can you take to help if there is a problem?

It’s easy to get addicted

These platforms are designed in such a way that release dopamine (the “feel good” hormone) for users. This can make it extra difficult for adolescents to resist.

If psychologists explainFrom the beginning of puberty until our mid-twenties, our brains are hypersensitive to social feedback and stimuli.

This means that young people are more likely to engage in behaviors that can lead to praise or attention from peers and others. It can therefore be harder for a young person to resist responding to notifications or “likes.” Young people are also developing their impulse control, which can impact their scrolling habits and make it harder for them to stop.

There are benefits and risks

There are certainly many benefits of using social mediasuch as social connection, information and support. But there are also risks.

Although not necessarily causal, there are links between social media use and depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, many aspects of cyberbullying and body image issues.

It is therefore understandable that parents are concerned about their children’s use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat.

Are we talking about a ‘problem’ or an ‘addiction’?

Often terms such as “problematic” and “addiction” Are used mixed when we talk about the use of social media.

However, there is no consensus among experts on how to distinguish between them, or whether a distinction should be made at all.

although some researchers claim Although social media addiction presents similarly to other behavioral addictions, such as gambling, it is not recognized as a clinical disorder.

We must be careful when referring to the use of social media as a clinical disorder or addictionIt may be more helpful to use terms like “problematic” or “unhealthy” until we know more.

Do you have any advice on how much time is acceptable?

Australian guidelines suggest Children and young people between the ages of five and seventeen should not spend more than two hours a day sitting, recreationally, in front of a screen (excluding schoolwork).

But as the Comments from the eSafety CommissionerThere is no “magic number.” It depends on a range of factors, such as a child’s maturity and age, the type and quality of content they consume, and whether it’s watch alone or with a caregiver.

There are no specific guidelines for using social media.

How do you know if there is a problem?

It can be difficult to keep track of what teens are doing online, especially when they’re using their own devices.

This means that parents and caregivers need to carefully consider their own child’s situation and behavior to determine if there is a problem. Things that may indicate a young person’s use of social media has become a problem Involving:

• withdrawing from or missing out on usual activities to spend time on social media
• find it difficult to stop or reduce the time you spend on social media
• lie about or try to hide what they do with their social media
• continue to use social media even if it causes problems in their real-life relationships or in other areas of life (such as school, work, or sports).

What about problematic content?

In addition to time spent on social media, problematic use may also be related to the types of content a young person is exposed to. This may include content who exhibits or promotes risky behavior or violence, extremist views, pornography, gambling, explicit videos, fake news or mis/disinformation.

This can be very easily accessible. If a Advisory notes from the US Surgeon GeneralInappropriate content is even targeted at young people via algorithms.

If your child has come across If they see inappropriate or concerning content, they may not want to talk about it or tell anyone because they feel embarrassed, confused, or scared.

What can you do if you think there is a problem?

Try to approach a conversation with your child in a sensitive manner. Reassure them that you are there to help them and not to “get them into trouble”.

Think about your own social media usage can be a useful starting point. Research suggests Adolescents are generally more likely to have problematic internet use if their parents also have problematic internet use. Are your own habits consistent with what you want for your child? Do you take a time-out from social media?

You and your child/young person can have a conversation about how you can both commit to changing your behavior as a family. Maybe this means no social media after a certain time of day or only at certain times of the day.

Involve your children in change, do things offline

Even if your own habits are okay, it’s important that young people are involved and consulted about what works for them, rather than an outright “ban” or imposed change. This gives them a sense of ownership of the solution (and makes them more likely to join in).

Research also suggests Regular, positive family time together can help create time away from devices and problematic use. So plan activities that fit your child’s interests and can be done offline. For example, board game nights, walks, bike rides, or meals.

Young people also often seek help and information about problems from other trusted adults and peersSo if you can, encourage them to talk to their friends or a teacher at school about what they do to manage their social media use.

Other sources

Problematic social media use is a complex problem. And it requires engagement from the wider community, not just families and carers. Any solutions will also need to be actively involve young people And social media platforms themselves.

If your child/young person exhibits problematic drug use and you would like more specific support, please contact a counselor or mental health professional.

There are also other resources that can help, including:

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