Do you remember when MTV was the go-to destination, and hours slipped away in front of a television adorned with knobs instead of remotes? We anxiously awaited our favorite music videos, captivated by the stylish VJs, the intriguing game shows, and the exhilarating Spring Break activities. Those after-school hours spent glued to TRL were filled with anticipation, and the programming offered us a window into a vibrant world that many of us aspired to emulate. It served as our primary source of entertainment, a hint of news, and a cultural slice that kept us planted on our couches. For both Gen X and Millennials, MTV functioned as our version of social media.
Is Social Media the Modern Equivalent of Television?
Many parents of teens from the ’80s and ’90s struggled to understand the allure of music videos and the television culture that engrossed their kids. Discussions about excessive television consumption emerged, with experts debating its potential long-term effects on learning and social dynamics. Combined with the rise in video gaming during that era, there were concerns that the millennial generation was headed for a future of isolation, glued to screens instead of engaging with the outdoors. However, like every generation before them, millennials eventually matured, transforming their teenage rebellion into nostalgia rather than a lasting lifestyle.
With this context in mind, today’s parents might find it helpful to consider that social media serves the same purpose for modern teens as MTV did for their generation. Understanding this connection can help parents appreciate why social media platforms are attractive spaces for entertainment, news, and cultural engagement. These digital arenas allow teens to connect with friends, family, and other connections, fostering relationships, even across distances. In the wake of COVID-19, as social media became crucial for maintaining connections, teens now derive comfort from the bonds they cultivate through their devices.
However, we must remember that, unlike the regulated music videos of the past, the internet presents a very different landscape filled with potential pitfalls. Social media can expose teens to harmful behaviors and environments that parents naturally wish to protect them from. With the constant evolution of social media platforms, it often seems that just as parents learn about one site, their teens have already moved on to another. Educating oneself on the variety of platforms and their purposes is essential, as the social media landscape shifts as rapidly as teen usage patterns.
But At What Cost?
Given the plethora of easily accessible apps at teens’ fingertips, how can parents create safe environments and foster open discussions about social media? Research indicates that excessive social media exposure correlates with lower self-esteem and higher instances of depression and other mental health struggles among teens. Numerous articles highlight the concerning consequences of excessive social media use, from cyberbullying and oversharing to risks associated with engaging with strangers. Parents recognize the need to maintain an active presence in their teens’ social media experiences.
What Can Parents Do?
Statistics illustrate the adverse effects of excessive social media use, yet teens are still deeply engaged with it daily. So, what steps can parents take to encourage positive behaviors among their children?
Limit Screen Time
Establish clear boundaries regarding the amount of time teens should spend on social media.
Support School Policies
- Back school policies that require phones to be off and away during classroom hours. Concerns about communication may be valid, but encourage your teen to keep their device out of sight while at school, as social media can sometimes perpetuate negative behavior, including violence.
Set Clear Expectations
- Instruct your teen to keep their accounts private to limit accessibility to their online presence.
Be an Online Friend
- Connect with your teen on social media platforms. Many teens juggle multiple accounts for different interests, so being involved can help you understand their online world better.
Utilize Parental Controls
- Explore parental controls offered by internet providers and apps to create a safer online experience for your teen. Keeping computers in shared spaces can also help monitor their screen time effectively.
- Consider designating a specific charging area for phones outside of your teen’s bedroom to limit usage.
Encourage Open Communication
- Maintain ongoing conversations about social media. Even if your teen appears uninterested, consistent dialogue will convey your concerns and establish an atmosphere of trust. Discuss the negative aspects of social media while also celebrating its positive moments together.
- Talk about the potential implications of their digital footprint. Utilize reputable resources to guide conversations on the importance of online privacy.
Lead by Example
- Model the behavior you wish to see in your teen by limiting your own social media usage. Establish family routines that encourage device-free time, such as during meals or family activities.
Address Cyberbullying
- Discuss the serious repercussions of sharing harmful content about others. As a middle school teacher, I saw firsthand the consequences faced by students who shared inappropriate content, which could lead to police involvement.
Encourage Honesty
- Help your teen understand the importance of reporting illegal activity instead of protecting friends who might be engaging in harmful behavior.
Promote Critical Thinking
- Reiterate that not everything seen on social media is accurate or genuine. Highlight the distinction between curated content and reality, encouraging your teen to maintain a critical viewpoint regarding online personas.
Final Thoughts
Regularly checking in about social media use and establishing open discussions is vital. Setting expectations, boundaries, and consequences can create a healthy framework for navigating social media at home. Strive to find joy in social media alongside your teen, exploring positive content together. Regularly engage in discussions about both the benefits and pitfalls of online behavior. While the journey of navigating social media with your teen may be challenging, with knowledge, information, and robust support at home, they can learn to distinguish the noise from the valuable moments—for instance, enjoying amusing dog videos or following aspiring young entrepreneurs sharing their passions. Ultimately, finding that elusive balance is a joint challenge for both parents and teens alike.