The Shocking Cost of Unrestricted Social Media Access

The Shocking Cost Our Kids Are Paying for
Unrestricted Social Media Access

Today, we are motivating ourselves to Stay Curious and recognize the shocking cost our kids are paying for their social media use, specifically unrestricted social media use.

I feel compelled to share a video that I came across a couple days ago because it contains some shocking statistics that parents need to be aware of. Please help me spread this message by sharing this post or the video.

If you have a child who is in Gen Z (born roughly between 1995-2012), especially if you have a girl, YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!

A Few of the Shocking Statistics

Not much change for boys. As explained in the video, this may be because boys typically take their aggression out on each other physically. Therefore, social media hasn’t had as much of a affect on how boys interact with each other.

This is the slide that got me; the one that made me want to share this message. Look at the rate of self-harm in girls 10-14. I almost start to cry when I look at this chart because I have an 11 year-old girl, and I cannot even fathom her wanting to harm herself.

As explained in the video, the rate has likely spiked for girls because (1) they have always been more prone to self-harm than boys, and (2) girls take their aggression out on each other verbally and socially, which makes social media the “perfect” platform for bullying each other in a way that we have never seen before.

I Don't Have the Answers

The objective of this post is to raise awareness. I’m not going to pretend to know what the solution is. Every child is different, and every family is different. Only you know what is right for you and your child.

I will offer a few suggestions:

I know there are a ton of apps available to track digital use. I use one called “Family Link,” and it is great. One nice feature is that I have to approve any apps my 11 year-old downloads. That’s really the only things I use it for. But, I can see all the apps she uses and the length of use. And, I already know that she’s not on social media because I haven’t approved the download of those apps.
Set a good example. If you don’t want your kids to be on social media, you might need to limit your time on social media as well. You’re an adult and obviously live by different rules than your kids do. But, our kids copy what we do, whether we like it or not, and they are always paying attention, whether we realize it or not.
Don’t be afraid to be the bad guy. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it hurts when your kid says you’re the worst parent in the world, but you’ll both get over it. Kids want us to say no. They want us to set boundaries. Their brains are simply not equipped to do it on their own, yet. Teaching them healthy boundaries when they are young will set them up for success as adults.

Please feel free to offer your suggestions in the comments.

I’ve written a few other posts touching on social media use if you’re interested:

Reclaim Your Potential From Its Silent Killer

What if Your Most Scandalous Moments Went Viral?

10 Simple Ways Social Media Can Support Your Potential

Have an INFORMED day!

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