By: Anna Luo
As societies continue to advance technologically, younger generations are growing up in a quickly developing digital world. Instead of assuming it’s only negatively affecting teenagers, I believe parents should be educating them on how to use social media responsibly. It’s undeniable that social media has a certain degree of influence on most teens, and trying to limit it outright would see minimal success.
Excessive use of social media can be unhealthy, but attempting to physically limit screen time by confiscating a teen’s device or setting restrictions will only result in more conflict. Experts in the article “Social Media and Teen Anxiety” say, “Don’t just take your teen’s phone away if you suspect drama. Doing so won’t get to the heart of the social issue at play — and it could potentially make your teen more upset by separating her from her friends and other aspects of digital media she enjoys.”
When adults make efforts or threaten to limit a teenager’s social media use, they feel untrusted. Additionally, with their main source of communication to friends cut off, most feel they don’t have anyone to confide in, leading to pent up emotions and eventual outbursts.
Naturally, there are certain downsides of constant social media use. Teenagers themselves should learn to use self-control and know when to put down the phone.
According to the article, “One study found that 48 percent of teens who spend five hours per day on an electronic device have at least one suicide risk factor, compared to 33 percent of teens who spend two hours a day on an electronic device.”
While prolonged screen time has an influence on mental health, it’s also important to remember that a majority of homework is now done online. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that whenever a teen is on a device, they are texting friends or scrolling through social media. In addition, instead of attempting to confiscate devices all together, teens should be educated on why prolonged screen time is unhealthy. Instead of scolding them, parents should sit down and have an open discussion about their concerns with screen time.
Simply setting online restrictions only creates a sense of distrust between parents and teens, changing little to nothing in a positive light. Instead, I believe creating compromises and having open discussions with teens about their screen time will be more beneficial.
Sources: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/17/12/social-media-and-teen-anxiety