Mental health concerns of young students who use social media

Derek: Right now, a school district is taking great techniques to get through what he calls a youth mental health crisis. Christine: Seattle Public School officials say social media giants like TikTok and Meta are contributing to serious mental health issues for kids online. Derek: Dr. Megan Moreno is a well-rounded teen health expert. Thank you for joining us. What are the immediate health concerns parents should consider when they see their children using TIKTOK, SNAPCHAT, and FACEBOOK? Doctor. Megan Moreno: Like many other things, you should just pay attention to behavior, like your teen becoming more isolated or having a hard time leaving their phone, which we know is part of our society, but we feel WAY is something to watch out for. Christine: You mention teens, but a lot of people get on their devices a lot. What should those conversations look like before kids get a smartphone? Doctor. Megan Moreno: There are a few different things that parents have to think about. Once you get your child smart, it’s hard for them not to have a smartphone, so they’ll probably stick to the rest of the time your child is home with you. I also think being able to tell if your child is ready to get a phone in terms of it is responsible enough to comment on it. Are they the kids who lose their gloves every year? They’ll probably lose that first phone after that, and whatever the consequences, they’ll try to do a little interpretation of what that’s going to be like, which is always tricky, but he’ll be able to hold those conversations before you actually have the phone in hand. Derek: Once they have the phone in hand, one of the tips that you have is friendship, follow through, but don’t get stuck, what’s that — that’s the difference for us. >> It’s different for families. Doctor. Megan Moreno: For some families, they don’t want to be on social media and that’s fine, but being able to sit down with your child and provide them with their services as an expert to teach you what it’s like to have them on that platform is one way around that if you’re someone who doesn’t want to build your profiles and the friendship of your children. Christine: One of the other things that were listed to look for to put in place, parental controls, what would that look like? Doctor. Megan Moreno: I think this is another area where families are different. Some family members are concerned about this and being able to learn the technology to do so. I think the central tool to consider is the Family Media Plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is a personal plan. It is essential that you develop the plan with your child, and can this help you navigate the appropriate levels of control and that connection and that connection for this phone-hopping child? Parents are also reminded that parents themselves design an essential role in how they use their phones and that your child is watching you. Derek: Thank you

Mental health concerns of young students who use social media

Updated: 8:39 AM CST Jan 12, 2023

Dr. Megan Moreno is an expert in adolescent health at UW Health.

Dr. Megan Moreno is an expert in adolescent health at UW Health.