Monitoring children’s screen time has become one of the most stressful parts of being a parent in today’s technology-driven world. Boys Town South Florida would like to help.
With the evolution of instant global connectivity at our fingertips, cellphones, computers and gaming systems have become staples in our everyday lives. Each year, we see a growing number of teens who are solely dependent on their cellphones for socialization and entertainment.
Forums and online communities formed through social media have become increasingly popular in the digital space over the past few years. A sense of belonging and community is important for teens; however, these online communities can sometimes harm their mental health, especially as they are still learning to regulate their emotions and recognize healthy behavior.
In a study done by the Pew Research Center*, about one-in-five teens say social media hurt their mental health (19%) or grades (22%). These results suggest that social media also disrupts daily functioning: four-in-ten or more teens say social media platforms hurt the amount of sleep they get (45%), as well as their productivity (40%).
Parents must stay informed and set clear boundaries to guide their children toward responsible and healthy use of technology. Below are some tips:
1) Implement screen-free spaces and times in your home, such as the dining table while eating.
2) Be a role model to your child by putting your devices down and setting a healthy balance. Engage in screen-free activities together.
3) Keep devices out of bedrooms at least an hour before bedtime and set up a charging station in a common area overnight.
4) Get help from an expert. Boys Town South Florida offers individual and family counseling through our outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic. Visit boystown.org/south-florida to learn more.
At Boys Town South Florida, we are committed to empowering parents, uplifting families and caring for children. Together, we can provide and deliver programs to the children in our community.