The Surgeon General has issued a report on the effects of social media on kids. Children using social media often feel worse about themselves and their friendships. And since it’s addictive, they can’t turn it off.
Here are the high points of the report. Social media…
- Exposes children to inappropriate content.
- Exacerbates feelings of dissatisfaction with their body, especially in adolescent girls.
- Provides a space for predators to target children.
- May be over-stimulating in a way that resembles addiction.
- Can create problems with sleep and the ability to focus.
To ameliorate the situation, parents can nurture in-person relationships by limiting social media use at the dinner table and family gatherings and other tech-free zones; teach and model online etiquette, and encourage children to report inappropriate content.
The Surgeon General is calling for technology companies and policy makers to establish safety guidelines to protect children.
The full report is readily available online.
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