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.