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After reading these sources, I wanted to talk to my partner about this in relation to our 15 year old son. Could you help by highlighting the main themes and topics from these sources

Written by Administrator on . Posted in Wonders.

To address concerns about a 15-year-old's well-being and bring a partner up to speed, consider the following points, based on the sources:

  • Acknowledge the potential harms of social media: Social media is associated with mental health decline, cyberbullying, distraction, sleep disruption, unrealistic views, addiction, altered relationships, and exploitation.
  • Recognize the sensitive period of puberty: Puberty is a particularly vulnerable time for adolescents regarding social media use. A British study found that the negative correlation between social media use and life satisfaction was more pronounced for those aged 10-15. For girls, the most vulnerable years for social media use are 11 to 13, and for boys, 14 to 15.
  • Highlight potential warning signs: Discuss whether the 15-year-old exhibits signs of problematic social media use such as:
    • Using social media even when wanting to stop.
    • Using it so much that school, sleep, activities, or relationships suffer.
    • Often spending more time on social platforms than intended.
    • Lying to use social media.
  • Discuss monitoring and open communication:
    • The American Psychological Association suggests regularly reviewing a child's social media use during their early teen years.
    • This can involve following or "friending" your child's accounts.
    • Have regular, open talks about how social media makes them feel, encouraging them to share any worries or concerns.
    • Teach them to question the accuracy of online content and recognize unrealistic portrayals of beauty and lifestyle.
    • Remind them that online, it's not okay to gossip, spread rumors, bully, or harm someone's reputation.
    • Stress the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers online, including addresses, phone numbers, passwords, and financial details.
  • Be a role model: Share personal social media habits to set a good example and keep the conversation balanced.
  • Encourage face-to-face contact: Prioritize in-person interactions with friends, especially for teens prone to social anxiety.
  • Consider professional consultation: If there are concerns about anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues related to social media use, consult a healthcare professional.
  • Delay social media use: Delaying the opening of social media accounts until 16 will allow children to get well into puberty, past the most vulnerable early years, before letting them plug into powerful socializing agents like TikTok or Instagram.
  • Maximize in-person activity and sleep: Focus more on maximizing in-person activity and sleep than on total screen hours. The main harm done by most screen activities is the opportunity cost, which directly drives social deprivation and sleep deprivation.
  • Balance screen time with real-world activities: Encourage participation in sports teams or unstructured play and ensure they get plenty of sleep.
  • Increase Independence and Responsibility: Provide opportunities for the teen to take on more responsibilities at home and in the community. Teens can cook, clean, run errands on a bicycle or public transit, and, once they turn 16, run errands using a car.

By addressing these points, you can facilitate a more informed discussion with your partner, emphasizing the potential risks and benefits of social media on your 15-year-old's well-being and encouraging proactive strategies.