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Arguably, the most important job of any parent or guardian is to keep their child safe. While the laws and physical safeguards may be obvious in the real world, there are fewer protections in the virtual world.
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory with an urgent call for attention to growing concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health.
The advisory cautioned the use of social media for adolescents ages 10-19. This time is critical to identity development and self-worth, and youth are particularly susceptible to social pressures, peer opinions and peer comparison. These are also the years when mental health challenges like depression may begin. In fact, studies found teens spending more than three hours a day on social media doubled their risk of depression and anxiety.
With school out for the summer, it can be challenging to find appropriate care which may lead to increased screen time to keep children occupied. However, it’s important to remember there are resources and opportunities to help protect children from harm.
Here are five things you can do to help manage social media usage among children and adolescents:
Talk about online safety. Educate children about the risks of social media, the importance of not sharing personal information and help them identify cyberbullying or online abuse. Create a judgment-free environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and understand the importance of reporting online exploitation or abuse.
Establish household rules for use. Children often learn by watching the behavior of others. Set a good example for responsible social media behavior by creating a family media plan or create tech-free zones to help your child engage in conversation with others. This will help nurture their social skills and foster relationships.
Use device safety and usage settings. Apple and Android products offer settings to track and manage your child’s activity including notification suppression features such as “do not disturb”, screentime limits, download restrictions and more.
Explore community programs and organizations. You’re not alone. Other parents or caregivers may be wondering how they can protect their child from the dangers of social media. Connect with other parents through our NGFamily Employee Resource Group, and join in on conversations and efforts such as:
National Council for Mental Wellbeing, attend a webinar on July 17 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET about youth mental health and social media, from posting to influencing.
Wait Until 8th, a pledge to not provide children access to a smartphone at least until the end of 8th grade that shares alternative resources and support.
LOG OFF Movement, a youth-led nonprofit organization committed to helping kids, teens and young people build healthy relationships with social media.
Mothers Against Media Addiction, a group of parents urging coordinated collective action to return to a play-based childhood.
LetGrow, a nonprofit dedicated to helping parents give their children the independence needed to grow into capable, confident adults without social media.
Take advantage of interactive child-care Northrop Grumman offers a Back-up Care Advantage Program, which provides up to 10 unplanned/emergency back-up child-care sessions per year at a nominal fee when your regular care provider isn’t available. You can also exchange one day of back-up care for options such as Steve and Kate’s interactive virtual camp or four hours of tutoring. Additionally, access a free premium SitterCity membership to find vetted sitters with background checks, references and reviews so you can hire care with confidence.
Written by: Samantha Gassman and Mackenzie Reulein
