Television, the internet, social media, and digital games are commonplace in all households with kids and teens spending an average of over 7 hours per day in front of a screen in today’s world. Tim Panagos, Clinical Lead at The Edge Crete looks at how parents must engage in active supervision to mitigate these risks, setting clear boundaries for internet usage, guiding children on responsible online behavior, using parental controls, and encouraging offline activities to foster a balanced lifestyle.
Concerns of media influence in kids
1. Unhealthy Diet - children snack on unhealthy foods while glued to screens, influenced by advertisements for calorie-dense fast food. The continuous bombardment of such media messages leads to poor dietary habits, negatively affecting their growth, development, and overall health. Unhealthy eating patterns, fueled by media consumption, contribute to obesity and other related health issues in young people.
2. Poor Social Skills - which develop when excessive screen time replaces in-person interactions, limiting children’s ability to engage socially and affecting their communication abilities. Children and adolescents miss opportunities to interact with family, friends, and peers when they spend hours glued to screens. Lack of real-life social engagement leads to difficulties in communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution, which are crucial for building strong, healthy relationships. Children who spend too much time with digital media struggle with social anxiety, poor emotional intelligence, and difficulties navigating social settings in real life.
3. Sexuality - this can become skewed as children are exposed to sexual content, unrealistic and inappropriate for their age, which leads to confusion about healthy sexual behaviors. Television, music videos, films, and online platforms depict skewed representations of sexuality, with an overwhelming focus on casual sex, promiscuity, and sexual violence. Portrayals distort young people's perceptions of intimacy, relationships, and consent. The exposure to sexualized content at an early age may shape children’s attitudes toward sex, influencing their behaviors and expectations in unhealthy ways. It contributes to the normalization of risky sexual behaviors in real life and within their media consumption.
4. Lack of Sleep - another risk, with children staying up late watching TV or browsing their phones, disrupting their sleep cycles and affecting their overall well-being. The extended screen time, before bed, interferes with their ability to wind down and fall asleep, as the blue light emitted by screens suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities while increasing susceptibility to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The lack of restorative sleep hinders the body's growth and immune function, making it challenging for children to perform academically, socially, and physically.
5. Attitudes, Values, and Behavior - children are influenced by the media and the portrayal of violence, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors in media negatively influences children, leading them to perceive these behaviors as acceptable and adopt them. Children adopt violent tendencies themselves, or they develop a perception that aggression is a viable way to resolve conflicts. The media's portrayal of materialism, body image, and social success influences young people's values, leading them to prioritize superficial aspects of life over emotional well-being or personal growth.
When used appropriately and in moderation, digital media offer various opportunities to promote
learning, foster creativity, and promote social and emotional well-being. Children benefit from the vast educational resources, such as interactive apps and games that teach new skills, stimulate problem-solving, and improve cognitive functions with the proper guidance. Digital platforms provide a space for self-expression and identity exploration, which is crucial during adolescence. Media helps children stay connected with peers, learn about health, and gain exposure to diverse cultures and ideas. However, the digital word can cause negative effects on our childrens’ developments such as:
Addiction to Online Games: Overuse of online games leads to gaming addiction, disrupting sleep patterns and social interactions.
Mental Health Issues: Excessive internet use has been linked to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem when children compare themselves to unrealistic online personas.
Reduced Physical Activity: Spending too much time on digital devices leads to sedentary behavior, contributing to obesity and other health issues.
Cyberbullying: Kids are exposed to bullying and harassment online, which severely affects their mental health and self-esteem.
Social Isolation: Excessive screen time limits face-to-face interactions, hindering the development of social skills and leading to isolation.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Children encounter harmful or explicit content that affects their psychological development without proper monitoring.
Sleep Disruptions: Overusing the internet before bedtime interferes with sleep, leading to fatigue and emotional distress.
Tim comments: ”The importance of supervision by parents or adults is indisputable, although the media has several benefits. Ensuring a safe and balanced media environment helps children use media responsibly and avoids potential risks associated with excessive screen time or exposure to inappropriate content. Children and adolescents, who are developing, face greater risks when exposed to inappropriate content, excessive screen time, or distorted societal standards. The importance of supervision in guiding younger generations on responsible media use has never been more evident”.
How does Social Media Affect Children's Behavior?
Social media significantly impacts children's and teenagers' behavior, shaping how they think, feel, interact, and perceive themselves. It alters communication patterns, emotional responses, and social dynamics. The constant exposure to curated images and idealized representations of peers and celebrities creates unrealistic expectations for children and teens, leading to negative feelings about their bodies and lives. It results in lower self-esteem, social anxiety, and an increased need for validation through likes and comments. The indirect nature of online communication, like texting and social media messaging, hinders the development of critical social skills like reading body language and understanding emotional cues, which are essential for healthy interpersonal interactions.
The impact of social media exacerbates feelings of isolation, despite the apparent connection it offers. Children and teens become overly focused on digital interactions, leading to a decline in face-to-face social skills and emotional regulation. The constant need for validation and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona fuel feelings of inadequacy, contributing to anxiety and depression. The rise of cyberbullying and social comparison further intensifies these effects, with teens engaging in behaviors online that they avoid in person, such as trolling or making hurtful comments. The continuous exposure to negative content or the feeling of being ignored on social media platforms leads to emotional depletion and stress, making it harder for children to disconnect and recharge.
The Most Addictive Social Media Platforms:
Facebook: with over 3 billion active users, the platform's algorithm feeds personalized content, keeping users hooked for extended periods. The addiction stems from the constant stream of content and notifications and the desire to stay connected with friends and family. The platform's engagement-driven features, such as "likes," comments, and shares, create a cycle of validation that keeps users coming back for more. The social media influence on teenagers is powerful, with users checking their Facebook feeds multiple times a day, driving emotional and social engagement.
TikTok: the algorithm is highly effective at suggesting content tailored to users' preferences, which leads to extended scrolling sessions. The app's "For You" page keeps users engaged by offering an endless stream of personalized content, making it difficult to stop watching. Using trending challenges and viral content, paired with quick, bite-sized videos, creates a dopamine loop that keeps users addicted to the app. TikTok’s algorithm adapts quickly, constantly feeding new content that increases engagement. The app is predominantly used by Gen Z and young Millennials, making them prone to develop an addiction..
Instagram: Instagram's "likes," comments, and followers foster a sense of validation and approval. The pursuit of social comparison, whether through curated posts or stories, contributes to addictive behaviors. The Instagram influence on teenagers is profound, with teens constantly seeking approval through likes and comments.
YouTube: YouTube is one of the most addictive platforms because of its variety of content, ease of access, and the "recommended videos" feature. YouTube's algorithm recommends videos based on past viewing habits, creating a continuous loop that keeps users engaged for hours. The platform's ability to offer content for virtually every interest means that users fall into a deep rabbit hole of videos that align with their tastes, interests, and curiosities. The rise of “YouTubers” and content creators can create addiction among youngsters.
8 Steps for Parents on How to Minimise the Negative Effects of Media on Youth
Step 1 - Promote Media Literacy. Teach youth how to analyze content on social media and other online platforms critically. Help them understand how algorithms work, the impact of “likes,” and how to identify beneficial and harmful content. Making informed decisions empowers youth and minimizes negative influences.
Step 2 - Set Screen Time Limits. Establish clear boundaries around daily time spent on social media and other screens. Limit screen time using device settings or apps, and encourage a balance between online and offline activities. Ensure these limits are age-appropriate and evolve as the child grows.
Step 3 - Encourage Open Communication. Foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage regular conversations about their social media use, the people they interact with, and any challenges they encounter. Creating understanding and trust allows parents to intervene early if needed.
Step 4 - Monitor Content. Actively monitor a child's exposure to social media content. Use parental controls and regularly check their online activity in early adolescence. Ensure privacy is protected and avoid explicit content or inappropriate interactions.
Step 5 - Address Cyberbullying and Online Safety. Educate children about the dangers of cyberbullying and teach them how to protect themselves online. Ensure they understand the importance of reporting bullying and inappropriate behavior online and maintaining online privacy and security.
Step 6 - Foster Offline Activities. Encourage participation in offline activities such as sports, arts, hobbies, or family time. Activities provide a break from screen time and encourage social skills and physical well-being, helping to create a healthy balance in a child’s daily life.
Step 7 - Promote Positive Media Use. Guide children to use social media and other platforms positively and healthily. Encourage them to follow accounts that promote mental health, education, creativity, and healthy lifestyles. Fostering positive media habits helps reduce the risk of adverse impacts such as anxiety or low self-esteem.
Step 8 - Be a Role Model. Lead by example when it comes to media use. Set boundaries for screen time and model healthy habits, such as mindful phone use. Children follow an adult's lead if they see them practicing responsible media habits.
Signs when Professional Interventions are needed.
Loss of Control Over Screen Time: Children who have difficulty limiting their screen time despite repeated attempts, or who consistently exceed their self-imposed limits, are suffering from addiction.
Neglect of Basic Needs: Prioritizing screen time over essential activities such as eating, sleeping, or personal hygiene indicates problematic excessive media use.
Decline in Academic Performance: A child whose school performance is affected due to a lack of focus or too much media consumption needs professional help to address underlying behavioral or psychological issues.
Social Withdrawal: A noticeable decline in social interactions with family members, peers, or a general withdrawal from extracurricular activities is a common sign of media addiction. The isolation leads to diminished social skills and affects the child's mental health.
Mood Swings or Emotional Changes: Extreme mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression linked to a child’s media use, such as becoming upset or distressed when screens are taken away, indicate the need for professional treatment. The behavior is indicative of emotional dependence on screens.
Risky or Inappropriate Behavior: Engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as sharing inappropriate content, communicating with strangers online, or neglecting safety in favor of screen time, is a serious sign that intervention is necessary to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Occasional usage of screens is normal but when it extends beyond typical use and leads to behavioral, emotional, and physical consequences it might be time to seek external help. Consider professional treatment if any signs persist for weeks or months, or if a parent feels overwhelmed by managing their child’s media use. Seeking help from a mental health professional or counselor assists in addressing the underlying causes of media addiction, improving family dynamics, and supporting the child’s overall mental health.
