Monitoring your child’s screen time: Let’s talk about it

Monitoring your child’s screen time: Let’s talk about it

Last month, a story in the media about a social media challenge directed at children and young adults, called the “Momo Challenge,” created unease in parents throughout the country. The challenge turned out to be a social media hoax and no reports of children participating in the challenge actually surfaced – but they were still aware of it and were discussing it among friends.

Several questions and concerns in parents arose from this internet scare. Do I have a firm understanding of what my child is actually viewing online? How do I successfully and healthily monitor my child’s social media and internet usage? Below, we offer a few tips on how parents can become more in touch with and supervise their child’s digital footprint.

Establish open lines of communication

It’s important to sit down with children to explain what’s out there and the harmful impact some online content can have on them. Don’t be afraid to have these hard conversations. Children experience fewer damaging effects when they’ve been taught basic media literacy skills.

Make technology use a privilege

Make it known that your children have to earn their screen time. This may be difficult for them to understand, but stay …

Cell phones and your teen’s mental health

Cell phones and your teen’s mental health

We live in a time where everything is easily accessible via our fingertips. Cell phones are an extremely useful invention, allowing us to stay connected with friends and family and up to date on the latest news and trends.

However, this rise in technology has caused new forms of addiction, as the need for acceptance seems to be more important than ever. Teens are under an increasing amount of social pressure, and the Internet and social media have amplified these pressures, leading to increased anxiety and depression in teens. Below, we outline steps you can take to protect your child’s mental and physical health and make digital media a more balanced part of his or her life.

Facilitate face time

Technology can connect and isolate at the same time. Texting and communicating via social platforms are forms of faceless communication. From a young age, it’s essential to teach your child the importance of confronting his or her issues with others in person, rather than behind a cell phone or computer screen.

Instill self-esteem

Social media only shows the highlights of life. It’s easy for teens to compare themselves to others because of this. Let your child know that his or …