Social Media and Kids

Duluth, Minn- Apps such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter) are examples of social media platforms we easily get lost in.  It’s easy to get distracted while doom scrolling for a couple of hours. Adults can tell the difference between skits and Artificial Intelligence, but young children may lack that skill.  Child psychology specialist, Lauren Browender says, while we can tell what’s reality and what isn’t,  a child might not understand. Watching social media influencers like Sydney Everhart on a regular basis can be toxic to children’s minds and even lead to addictions. These addiction can also follow them into young adulthood as well.

“It’s just a way for these companies to get this in your mind when you’re so young. That as you get older you keep buying the things and probably more and more expensive things as well.” Browender says.  Children ages from 13-18 already struggle with self body image and self esteem watching their friends in real life. Watching certain content on screen can worsen their self esteem and cause mental illnesses at an early age.

Brownder recommends that parents limit their child’s screen time to an hour and a half when they get home from school. Duluth has many options of outdoor activities. Encourage them to play outside and read a book. Electric devices are common in the classrooms and students can easily lack focus.  It’s best for teachers to encourage a 30 minute reading break where everyone is quiet with their own book and the screens are put away.  Reading books from off of apps doesn’t help; it’s better to read a physical book.