Social media has become an essential part of everyone’s life, especially the modern child. Today’s children and teenagers have tons of tools to connect with others. However, despite the increase in technology and tools, the problem we often face is that modern children do not thrive. This duality highlights the need to explore both the positive and negative effects of social media as its impact on young people becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
Pros: Why is Social Media Beneficial?
Social media and technology provide unmatched convenience and connectivity, offering numerous advantages:
- Staying in touch with family and friends globally through email, texting, FaceTime, and other platforms.
- Instant access to information and resources for research.
- Opportunities for online learning, skill development, and content discovery (e.g., YouTube).
- Participation in civic activities, such as fundraising, raising awareness, and amplifying voices.
Social media can be positive, but teens should trust their instincts if they encounter something unsettling. It’s essential to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher, especially in cases of bullying, threats, or harmful content. These behaviors often indicate that the person responsible may need help.
Cons: Why is Social Media Problematic?
Despite its benefits, social media poses several challenges:
- Online vs. Reality: The issue isn’t social media itself but how people use it to replace face-to-face communication. Social media “friends” are often not genuine friends and may even be strangers.
- Excessive Use: Spending too much time on social media can result in cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure to inappropriate content.
- Addiction: Social media can be addictive. Much like achieving goals in games triggers dopamine, receiving likes and positive comments online creates a rewarding sensation. This reinforces a cycle of mood-modifying experiences.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): FOMO drives frequent checking of social platforms out of fear of missing something important, which can negatively impact mental health.
- Self-Image Issues: Social media encourages comparison and reliance on external validation, often affecting body image and self-esteem. Users who frequently post or scroll are particularly vulnerable. While social media is not the root cause, it exacerbates these issues by providing a platform that promotes such behaviors.
Social Media Alters the Teen Brains and Activities
Since 2010, data has shown a concerning rise in teen anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. This coincides with the growing use of social media among young people. Children and adolescents miss out on the important bonds from interacting with others in their environment.
One of the most significant losses children face due to social media is the decrease in time spent with friends in real life. This affects their emotional well-being and physical health—many report a loss of sleep due to late-night scrolling and constant notifications.
The situation worsens when it impacts academic performance and personal safety. Many students find it increasingly difficult to keep up with schoolwork, and many go on to experience depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Research shows that as social media use increases, so do the rates of these tragic outcomes. The very platforms meant to connect our children are instead leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and despair.
Read Also: Social Media Boundaries Parent Should Know
How Do We Address This? 5 Rules for Stopping the Negative Impact of Using Social Media
To help protect children from the negative effects of social media, parents can take proactive steps to guide their kids toward healthier online habits. In a parents seminar held regularly at SPH Kemang Village, Mark Thiessen, Head of School at SPH Kemang Village, brought up this topic and shared five basic rules parents can apply at home to keep their kids safe from the dangers of social media:
1. Set Clear Rules for Cellphone Use
Establishing clear boundaries regarding cellphone use is essential in preventing the negative impacts of social media. Create specific times when phones are allowed, such as after homework or during weekends, and be consistent with these rules.
This helps children balance their cellphone time and promotes more mindful use of devices. By teaching them moderation, you can reduce the negative effects of excessive screen time.
2. Limit Social Media Until Age 14
Children under 14 should be discouraged from having social media accounts. At this age, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is still developing.
Because of this, younger children may struggle with the long-term consequences of their actions online. Therefore, to avoid negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being, it’s safer to delay their exposure to social media until they are more mature and capable of making responsible decisions.
3. Parental Control and Access to All Accounts
Parental controls and access to children’s social media accounts allow parents to monitor their online activities. This doesn’t mean spying but rather ensuring that you can step in if there are any concerning behaviors or harmful interactions.
Parental control helps protect children from online predators and inappropriate content while guiding them to develop safe and respectful online habits. In this way, parents can balance the positive aspects of the internet while minimizing its risks.
Read Also: How to Develop Media Literacy in Children: 5 Tips
4. No Phones in School or Overnight
The use of phones during school or overnight should be avoided because it can lead to distractions and negatively impact children’s focus and sleep patterns.
Allowing phones during school hours can decrease concentration, while late-night use of social media can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced performance in class. Set a rule that electronic devices are turned off before bedtime to ensure better sleep and improved academic performance.
5. Encourage Independence and Free Time
Fostering independence by encouraging children to spend more time away from screens and engage in offline activities is crucial. Sports, hobbies, and outdoor play help develop social skills and self-reliance while reducing their dependence on social media for entertainment and validation. Giving them opportunities to explore the world outside of digital spaces can contribute to healthier development.
In conclusion, the increase in social media use has a strong and undeniable impact on the lives of our children. While the platforms themselves are not inherently harmful, their overuse and misuse have irreversible effects on young people’s mental, emotional, and social development. It is essential for parents, educators, and communities to guide children toward healthier relationships and balanced use of technology.
In addition, it’s important for parents to choose a school with a safe and nurturing community that will support their growth academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout their learning journey. Here at Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), our school is committed to partnering with parents in nurturing their children by regularly holding parent seminars on various relevant topics, including the one we discussed in this article. These events empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate challenges and foster their children’s growth effectively.
If you’re looking for an international school in Indonesia that prioritizes holistic development and parental involvement, contact us today to learn more about SPH!
*This article is written based on a Parent Seminar held by SPH Kemang Village, with Mark Thiessen, Head of School at SPH Kemang Village, as the key speaker.
