Parenting Tips : 5 Reasons Why Social Media Can Hamper Your Child’s Mental Health

Technology of today has shown to be a boon for people. Mobile phones and other digital devices have likewise merged into our daily life. Like adults, teenagers are now so dependent on these devices that they find it difficult to envisage their life without them. Social media is the most popular usage of the internet among all others. Social media is so beloved by children that they frequently spend the majority of their time there.

Sadly, our kids and young adults have abused social media to the point where, if not regulated or limited, it can seriously harm their wellbeing. Unaware of it, social media’s harmful impacts are ruining our kids and causing them to suffer in ways they are not aware of. We can that social media is a powerful networking tool, but its risks also need to be taken into consideration. Children are particularly vulnerable to these risks due to their immature use. Their mental health may suffer significantly if these harmful effects of social media are not identified in time. Teens’ mental health and social media use have been found to be closely associated.

In this article we will highlight the negative impacts of social media on the mental health of children in the modern generation,

1. A sense of being socially isolated

Utilization of social media and social isolation are statistically related. Kids tend to lose sight of their real lives when they immerse themselves in the realm of social media. Sometimes they are not invited to activities that are taking place nearby. They might have FOMO—the fear of missing out—just from viewing the images of the events. They may believe that they are no longer needed anyplace, which might further contribute to social isolation.

2. Too much exposure to self-harming content

Children can do anything to gain attention on social media, which is an addicting platform. Self-harming behaviours are becoming more and more popular, and people are publishing them on social media to draw attention to themselves. When children observe others engaging in such behaviour, they act quickly to imitate it in an effort to achieve the same fame. This could have negative effects and result in failed trials. However, children view it as a brave and courageous act to demonstrate to others their strength.

3. Degraded levels of concentration

Children’s academics and other activities are easily impacted by social media. Usually, they become distracted while doing the things they used to focus on. Due to their constant use of social media, they become bored with outdoor games, homework, schoolwork, housework, and many other things that call for concentration. They at least attempt to combine everything and utilise social media while doing other things, which is completely useless.

4. Exposed to cyber bullying

Cyber bullying is the major risks associated with social media. Cyberbullying is a method of publicly humiliating someone by spreading false, inappropriate, and embarrassing information about them. This practise is becoming very widespread and is seriously impacting kids, especially the ones who are victims.

Kids have even attempted suicide in certain instances as a result of the humiliation they endure on social media.

5. Increased levels of anxiety and stress

Kids are more entertained and interested in learning about what other people are doing on social media than they are in their own lives. When sharing their lives online, people frequently present them as flawless and joyful. Kids who consider these factors frequently experience despair and anxiety because they believe their lives aren’t perfect and that they aren’t deserving enough. For this reason, experts advise using social media for only 30 minutes a day to prevent such ideas.