child rearing
Are you worried that your child is addicted to social media?
Almost a quarter of adolescents do, according to a study published in Current Psychology.
EarthWeb online privacy expert Trevor Cooke shared common behaviors that may indicate a child is addicted to social media.
Cook advises parents to talk to their children and “explain to them why it’s important to use social media responsibly.”
He also suggests setting clear boundaries about when and how certain social media sites can be used, and monitoring that activity.
But if it becomes too much, Cook recommends seeking professional help to help your child learn how to have a healthy relationship with technology and social media.
Experts shared 7 signs your child may be addicted to social media and should re-evaluate their relationship with social media or consult a professional.
1. Put your hobbies on the back burner
“Is your child using platforms like Instagram and Facebook all day and night?” Cook asks. “If your hobbies, studies, or social interactions take a backseat to scrolling your feed, take note.”
He advises parents to check the time tracking features on their children’s devices to understand how many hours a day they spend on social media apps.
2. Validation is always necessary
Experts suggest parents assess how much their children care about the reactions and attention they receive on social media.
“Does your child have an unhealthy obsession with the number of likes, shares, and comments they receive?” he asked.
“This constant need for validation can affect their self-esteem and mental health,” Cook advised. “It’s important for people to understand that these metrics have nothing to do with their worth as a person or how well-liked they are by others.”
3. Mood swings
Cook recommends parents consider whether their child is showing signs of irritability, anxiety, or sadness when not using social media.
“This behavior can be a sign of withdrawal symptoms that indicate addiction,” he noted.
4. Decrease in physical activity
Experts have warned that children may be avoiding exercise and time outdoors and staying at home scrolling through social media.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sedentary lifestyles are proven to have negative health effects, so children between the ages of 6 and 17 should spend at least one hour a day to promote healthy growth. Enjoying physical activity is encouraged.
Cook recommends activities such as family hikes and joining a health club to promote physical activity and social connection.
5. Neglect of responsibility
“It’s important to encourage people to complete all other obligations before opening their social media apps,” Cook says.
He explained that children who are addicted to social media can start neglecting important tasks such as homework, housework, pet care, and other responsibilities.
If this avoidance of responsibility could have a lasting impact on academic or personal growth.
6. Disturbed sleep patterns
Cook noted that excessive use of social media, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns for all ages, especially children.
Health experts have found that late-night screen time is a major cause of social jet lag, which significantly increases the risk of psychological problems in teens.
Research also shows that blue light from cell phones, tablets, and televisions can trigger early puberty.
Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, academic performance, and overall health.
7. Hikikomori
Social media addicts may avoid face-to-face interactions because they become increasingly uncomfortable with them and prefer to hide behind a screen.
“This can impact on children’s social skills and lead to feelings of isolation as they are left behind by their peers who have appropriate face-to-face interactions,” Professor Cook said.
“Encourage your child to interact more in person by encouraging gatherings, such as inviting friends over or driving your child to a place where they can meet friends in person.”
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