From low self-esteem to increased risk of suicide and radicalization, the negative effects of youth social media use are alarming. However, it is not all bad news. There are also ways that social media can be helpful for children’s development. For example, social media can help young people learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. The bottom line is that social media is here to stay, and we need to find ways to make sure it benefits our children’s development instead of harming it.

Some things that parents can do include:

Setting time limits on how much time kids can spend on social media each day

Monitoring their children’s online activity

Talking to their kids about the risks associated with using social media

Encouraging them to use social media in moderation

Providing alternatives to social media, such as books, sports, and face-to-face interactions