Healthy Inspirations, powered by SSM Health

 

Technology is everywhere, and our kids are embracing it to learn, play and socialize. But with endless ways to access the digital world, monitoring our kids’ usage to ensure a healthy balance can be tough. In addition, younger and younger kids also have regular access to social media, and as a parent, understanding and navigating this digital landscape alongside your child is crucial.

As a resource for families, SSM Health, along with News 3 Now through their joint Time for Kids initiative, have teamed up to share the Time for Kids: Digital Playbook. It includes the Time for Kids: Digital Device Guide, available to help families determine what makes sense for them, and a Time for Kids: Digital Device Agreement for families to discuss and sign. Download the Digital Device Guide and Agreement. In addition, the following ideas can be a guide for parents to initiate meaningful conversations with their child about social media use.

Find the right time

Timing is everything when it comes to discussing sensitive topics like social media. Choose moments when your child is relaxed and more likely to be receptive such as car rides when you have some alone time together or family dinners when everyone is gathered and can participate in the conversation. Avoid starting these conversations during conflicts related to technology or when there is limited time.

Start with open-ended questions

Begin the conversation with questions that invite your child to share their thoughts and feelings. This helps to avoid making the conversation feel like a lecture and instead fosters a two-way dialogue. Here are some examples:

·         “I’d like us to talk about how we use technology and social media in our family. What have you noticed in terms of each family member’s use of social media? Who uses what?”

·         “How do you decide who or what to follow on social media? Do you think about unfollowing accounts that make you feel uncomfortable?”

Focus on privacy and safety

Talk to your child about the importance of privacy settings and being cautious about sharing personal information online. Ask questions like:

·         “Do you know how to review the privacy settings on your social media accounts? Are you comfortable with them?”

·         “What would you do if someone you don’t know tries to contact you online?”

Educate your child about the potential risks of social media, such as cyberbullying and online predators, and assure them that they can come to you with any concerns.

Address the emotional impact

Social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. Encourage your child to reflect on how it makes them feel:

·         “What do you enjoy most about using social media? Are there any downsides?”

·         “Have you noticed how you feel after spending time on social media? Do you feel better or worse, and why?”

This conversation can help your child make healthier choices about their social media use.

Transition to discuss boundaries and guidelines

Setting boundaries around social media use is important for maintaining a healthy balance. Work with your child to create guidelines that everyone in the family can agree on. For example:

·         Start by tying in responses to earlier questions: “You have done a great job explaining some of the pros and cons of social media use. As your parent, I’d like us to agree to some healthy boundaries and guidelines regarding social media use inside and outside the house. Let’s get something on paper that works for both you and me.”

·         Work items directly related to the use of social media into your family’s digital device agreement. Write down rules together (see examples below) that fit your family’s style of social media use, such as device-free times, what content can be watched, people they can contact and consequences for violating the family agreement.

Be a role model

Your behavior sets an example for your child. Show them how to use social media responsibly by modeling good habits yourself including limiting your own screen time and sharing your own experiences balancing technology with family time.

Encourage problem-solving

If your child faces challenges on social media, work together to find solutions. Encourage them to think critically about how they handle difficult situations, such as encountering inappropriate content or peer pressure.

·         “If you ever see something online that makes you uncomfortable, what could you do about it?”

·         “Let’s come up with a plan for managing your time on social media so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep or schoolwork.”

 

Talking to your child about social media, appropriate digital device usage and your families rules around them doesn’t have to be daunting. By approaching the topic with empathy, openness, and respect, you can guide them toward making informed and responsible choices online.