Teenagers and social media??

Teenagers and social media??
the introduction:	Social media is a big part of many teens' lives. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018, which included about 750 children between the ages of 13 and 17, found that 45% of them are online almost constantly, and 97% use social media platforms; Such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.  But what is the impact of social media use on teenagers?
Advantages of social media?	Social media allows young people to create online identities, connect with others, and create social networks. These networks can provide young people with valuable support, particularly helping those who feel excluded or have a disability or chronic illness.  Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. The platforms can expose teens to current events, allow them to interact across geographic barriers and teach them about a variety of topics, including healthy behaviors. Social media that is humorous, distracting, or provides a meaningful connection with peers as well as a wide social network may help teens avoid depression.
Harms of social media??	However, social media use can negatively impact teens by distracting them, disrupting their sleep, exposing them to bullying, spreading rumors, unrealistic views of other people's lives, and peer pressure.  The risks may be related to the amount of social media use teens have. A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the United States found that those who spend more than three hours a day using social media may be at high risk for mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens. Other studies have also noted links between high levels of social media use and symptoms of depression or anxiety. A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use or use at night and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when blocked from logging in — were both associated with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.
	How teens use social media may also determine their impact. A 2015 study found that the social comparison and feedback that teens seek using social media and cell phones was linked to symptoms of depression. Additionally, a small 2013 study found that older teens who used social media passively, such as just looking at other people's photos, reported lower life satisfaction. Those who used social media to interact with others or post their own content did not experience these declines.  An older study on the impact of social media on college students showed that the more they used Facebook, the more they believed others were happier than they were. But the more time students spend going out with their friends, the less this feeling they feel.  Because of the vibrant nature of youth, experts point out that teens who post content on social media are at risk of sharing intimate photos or highly personal stories. Which may lead to teenagers being exposed to bullying, harassment, or even blackmail. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns.
Protect your teen!!!	There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and reduce some of its negative effects. Pay attention to these tips:  Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid social media interfering with their activities, sleep, meals, or schoolwork. Encourage a bedtime routine that includes abstaining from electronic media use, and keep cell phones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Be a role model by following these rules yourself. Monitor your teen's accounts. Tell your teen that you will regularly check his or her social media accounts. You may do this once a week or more often. Make sure you keep going. Explain what is inappropriate. Warn your teen about gossiping, spreading rumours, bullying, or damaging someone's reputation - online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media. Encourage direct contact with friends. This is especially important for youth at risk for social anxiety disorder. Talk about social media. Talk about your social media habits. Ask your teen how they use social media and how it affects how they feel.  Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images. If you think your teen has signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression related to social media use, talk to his or her doctor.

  

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