Kids are looking to technology, gaming and digital platforms more than ever to stay connected. They will always be curious — it’s only natural. How can we be better informed about everything that’s out there? How can we help our kids establish boundaries? Parents, knowledge is power.
The pediatric experts at Connecticut Children’s have you covered with tips from pediatric experts you trust. Below, find tips on introducing kids to online platforms, social media and mental health and online safety. And be sure to bookmark their Navigating the Digital World Kit for even more expert recommendations.
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Tips on how parents can navigate the digital world with kids
Every month, hundreds of new apps and digital games are released for kids — some beneficial, some harmless and some your child is definitely better off without. How do you choose? Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialist Christine Tatem shares tips.
Decide on a goal.
Do you want something that promotes learning? Expands creativity? Helps your child relax, or just be entertained for a while? Starting with a clear objective will help you narrow down the tens of thousands of options.
If the goal is learning, consider these best practices.
According to research on the science of learning, a good educational app meets four criteria: It actively engages the child; doesn’t include distractions (like ads) that interrupt the learning experience; is personally relevant to the child or builds on their past knowledge; and includes social interactivity.
With this in mind:
When should I be concerned about my child's social media use?
Introducing your child to the digital world
Look for apps that require some planning, thinking or problem-solving skills. Word and puzzle games are good for this, as are matching, counting and sorting games.
For younger children, consider apps that require color, number or letter identification.
For older children, look for games that require building towns, farms or “worlds” that they must support and navigate (think: Minecraft, which involves problem-solving and spatial skills).
Consider apps that promote creativity, like those that engage your child in building, drawing or music.
Pay attention to the recommended ages. Although the categories tend to be broad, they can be helpful when you’re unfamiliar with the app.
Find even more tips on introducing your child to the digital world here.
A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed a possible link between social media and brain changes in young adolescents. MRI brain scans showed that teens who frequently check social media had increased activation in certain parts of their brains, which could lead to changes in impulse control and regulation. These changes in brain activity could also cause teens to be hypersensitive around their friends, especially when receiving feedback or criticism.
The study made headlines, and now parents, understandably, have questions. Melissa Santos, PhD, division head of pediatric psychology at Connecticut Children’s, addresses concerns about social media use right now.
How social media impacts mental health in teens
Compare and despair Is your child or teen comparing themselves negatively in relation to seeing the fun activities of others? Are they upset by not getting as many “likes” as others?
Fear of missing out (FOMO) The photos from the birthday party they weren’t invited to or the group of friends hanging out after class can stir up feelings of loneliness. Seeing what friends are doing online can easily make a child or teen feel excluded.
Cyberbullying Children or teens may use social media to post untrue information, photos or negative comments to hurt a peer’s feelings.
Technology overload With so many social media applications available, children and teens may feel the need to constantly be checking or posting interesting updates to their social pages.
Avoidance Is your child or teen using social media as an escape from … homework? Negative emotions? Personal issues? Avoiding these issues through excessive use of social media can make them worse.
Limited in-person interactions Utilizing social media in place of face-to-face interactions can make having those face-to-face interactions all the more difficult. Is your child or teen using social media as a crutch or replacement?
Stress caused by news Negative news updates and attachment to what’s happening in the world can provoke stress or anxiety.
How can I, as a parent, set boundaries around social media?
Begin setting an example today that can help prevent issues tomorrow. Learn about the social media and communication apps that your children and teens are using. You can try out the app and ask your child to show you.
Set a good example for your teens. Put your phone away while talking to your children or others because, parents, it starts with you.
Steps for social media safety
Children turn to social media to stay connected with friends — through messaging and video chats, sharing photos and videos, and playing video games. For many, this is happening at a younger age than their parents originally planned.
That can be okay, because it’s important for children of all ages to maintain social connections. But if you’re a parent, you should follow some basic steps to keep your child safe online. Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA, executive director of Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center, shares advice.
Openly supervise your child’s use of internet-connected devices.
This will provide your children with the oversight they need to make smart choices and give you the comfort of being able to see what they are doing. Ideally, have your child use devices in a common area where everyone can see what is happening. For example, if your family has a desktop computer, set it up in the living room or another space where you often gather.
Know what apps your child is using, ask to review what they’re posting, and require them to provide you with a list of their accounts, usernames and passwords.
Have your child update you on what’s happening. Stand over their shoulder from time to time to see what the fuss is all about.
Steps for social media safety
What are the negative effects of social media on children and teens?
Think about screen time — we hear all the time about the benefits of limiting children’s time in front of the TV, computer, tablet or phone. There’s a reason for it: Anyone using a screen or any digital device frequently — and that includes social media — can put themselves at increased risk of obesity, irregular sleep, depression and anxiety, and lack of physical activity.
When should I be concerned about my teen’s social media use?
If you’re unsure whether your teen may be overusing social media, look out for certain behaviors:
However, simply enforcing a rule works, too. Establish clear rules about what your child is allowed to access on the internet, as well as a maximum time limit per day. You can also physically turn off devices or collect phones at a certain time of day, like dinnertime or bedtime.
As with any rule, you should expect pushback and should be prepared to enforce any consequences that you set.
Help your child understand online risks.
While most people who interact on social media platforms or play massive multiplayer online games want to have fun and connect with other like-minded people, there are invariably bad actors. Children and pre-teens often are not aware of the potential hazards that come with online activity.
Let your child know that there are good guys and bad guys out there. Let them know that their real friends are people they have actually met. Friends online are not real friends, just online friends. Emphasize that while online friends can be fun to play with, they should never share personal details. More on that below.
Find more internet safety best practices for parents and kids here.e.
Essentially, you should stay involved in your child’s life and take an interest in what they’re doing online, who their friends are, and what bothers them most about the games they play or the people they connect with online. Open up and maintain good lines of communication. Remember, if you show interest, you might even learn a thing or two.
Set reasonable limits on internet use.
Parents often struggle with how to regulate internet access. The best is advice is: Keep parenting. Controls are available on many routers that allow you to place time and access limits on individual devices.
Connecticut Children’s is dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of children through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy. We embrace discovery, teamwork, integrity and excellence in all that we do.
FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Contact Us
Locations
Patients & Families
Find a Doctor
Referrals
Research
Education and Training
Careers
Job Shadows & Internships
FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Cancer & Blood Disorders
Cardiology / Cardiac Surgery
Ear, Nose & Throat
Gastroenterology
Orthopedics
Pediatric Surgery
Sports Medicine
FEATURED SPECIALTIES
Make a Gift
SUPPORT US
Visit Connecticut Children's Health Hub for More