Is Your Child Addicted to Social Media?
Social media has changed the lives of every child on Earth. It's not just a device or a tool, it is part of our day-to-day lives, and if you have a child who uses social media, you're likely painfully aware of how it affects their psychology. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are designed to appeal to our reptilian desires for validation and attention, which can be especially dangerous for children.
The child welfare system is not the only area of law that has grappled with the issue of liability in social media harms. The rise of social media has impacted tort law, criminal law, and legislation.
We should all be concerned about whether or not our children are addicted to social media. If your kid spends too much time online and seems depressed when they aren't online, it's time to get some help.
Is Your Child’s Behavior Different?
If your child is always on social media, it can be hard to tell the difference between their normal behavior and how they are on social media. This is especially true if you are watching them only sometimes. It's also important to note that if your child is always on social media and has been for a while, it may be difficult for them to act differently when they're not connected with friends or family members through their devices.
Does Your Child Seem Irritable?
You may be wondering if your child is addicted to social media. Do they seem irritable or depressed when they aren't on social media or have to stop using it? This can be a sign of addiction and should be addressed with the help of a professional. If you notice that your child is behaving in a way that makes you think they need help, talk with them about their use of technology.
Does Your Child Have a Decrease in Their Academic Performance?
If your child struggles with schoolwork, their social media use may be a distraction. They may also have an increased desire to spend time online when they're supposed to be doing homework or studying. If this sounds like your child, you must talk with them about how much time they spend on social media and what keeps them engaged there. You can also ask questions like: "What do you think of this post? Why do you think so many people like it?" This will help draw attention away from the content posted by other users and focus more on personal and opinionated conversations.
We hope this article has given you the tools to understand your child's social media use better and that you can start having conversations with them about it. The best way to do this is by starting with a question: "Do you think that social media is affecting your grades? Are you spending more time on your phone than you should?" The answers will give you an idea of whether or not something needs to be addressed.
