The Impact Of Social Media Use On Children’s Mental Health

Social media and online chatrooms have been around now for decades, and seem to be growing in the dependency of its use among youngsters today. With the growing number of social media platforms and online gaming, youngsters have become emerged in the world of cyberspace far more than what any other generation has.

The benefits of the internet are boundless. Instant information is educational and beneficial for your children – there’s no doubt about that. However, have you considered what the effects social media and other online forums have on the behaviour of your children?

Several studies have shown a rise in depression among teenagers by a significant 3% of that demographic from 2005 to 2015. Why is depression on the increase? Could social media and the open internet have anything to do with this?

How Cyberspace Can Affect Your Children And What You Can Do About It

• Non-realistic world

Leaving your child with a tablet all day long without supervision is just asking for trouble. Parents should interact with their children and occasionally check up on what they are watching. The world of social media and other internet platforms is open and easy to access, which can immerse your child in fictitious ideas that give them the wrong perception about the real world.

• Easier to become bullied

Social media and other platforms such as chat sites are there to help people engage with each other. However, the reality is that cyberspace gives everyone a type of anonymity, which allows many to act and behave inappropriately.

This can lead to your child being exposed to hate words or belittling. Posts on Facebook, for example, can lead to a torrent of comments that may become hurtful to your child. An image posted may lead to negative comments about your child’s appearance. The effects of cyberbullying run deep, from depression and low self-esteem to self-harm and even suicide, as we’ve seen in recent cases.

Luckily, you can help. You can seek professional assistance to help your child through a psychologist’s trained therapy, to enable your child to see these comments for what they are.

• Predators

For parents whose children are young, including teenagers, the world of online communication is filled with predators who are well-versed in communicating and manipulating innocent youngsters into a world of destruction and even violence.

Such predators can engage with your children and persuade them to do shameful acts online, which will eventually lead to shameful feelings and a deep sense of depression. It is important to monitor your child’s activity online.

Besides seeking professional help, you should speak to your children and engage with them about their online experience, and ask questions without it being an inquisition, but rather a meaningful, interested discussion.

Any changes in your once-normal child’s behaviour should be noted with due attention, and you should seek a psychologist to investigate it thoroughly. A psychologist is trained to draw out important emotional information, and as a neutral party, your child may feel safer speaking to a psychologist than to someone close to them.

If you believe your child is experiencing a change in emotions due to social media and internet use, feel free to contact us anytime to discuss how we can support your entire family.

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