The Facebook Depression?

The American Academy of Pediatrics just released a clinical report on the use of social media by teenagers. It is worth a good look over, but can be quite dense. Here is a quick summary of the clinical report for those with little time on their hands:

• Seventy five percent of adolescents have cell phones - 
• 25% use them for social media
• 54% use them for texting
• 24% use them for Instant Messaging
• Internet (social media) addiction is increasing - 
• Sleep deprivation is increasing along with internet addiction
• Benefits of using social media for teens include - 
• Community engagement
• Creativity
• Development of ideas (i.e. blogs, podcasts, videos)
• Expansion of diversity exposure (i.e. getting connected with others around the world)
• Developing personality and social skills
• Enhancement of learning skills
• Risks of using social media for teens include - 
• Cyber-bullying is increasing
• Sexting (approximately 20% of teens admitted to sexting).
• "Facebook Depression" (spending too much time on social media leads to typical depressive symptoms)
• What goes online stays online

Ways to help decrease the negative affects of social media on teens:

• Talk with children about their internet use. Specifically address: Cyber-bullying, Sexting, Time Management.
• Become better acquainted with technologies used around the home. 
• Develop a family online use plan, emphasizing appropriate online behavior.
• Become involved in your teens online use (get your own social media account) in addition to using computer monitoring software.

Children and Electronics

Today is the age of electronics. Most children are familiar with the internet, computers, video games, cell phones, texting, and a variety of other electronic devices. With each device come challenges, opportunities and responsibilities. Each family needs to decide what is an appropriate use of each particular technological device. Some guidelines to keep in mind when setting appropriate boundaries around technology include:

1. Technology is a privilege, which means parents have the right to restrict it's use when children begin to use it outside the families individual values.
2. Technology can be used to harm individuals. Children who use technology to harm others need to have their usage restricted. 
3. Filtering software is available for most computers and some handheld devices, but many handheld devices that access the internet don't have filtering available. Parents need to be wise in their choice of allowing particular handheld devices. 

If you have any other suggestions about helping children and families appropriately use technology, feel free to comment below.