How to Stop Social Media Addiction?
Every day more
teenagers and young adults are becoming addicted to social media. Social media
has become a normal routine for doing homework, socializing virtually, and
entertainment. Yet, being addicted to social media has caused more young people
to have depression, anxiety, and some have suicidal thoughts. Moreover, young
adults are having a challenging time communicating without an electronic
device. However, there are ways to stop social media addiction.
As parents become aware of how to use social media and learn about the new apps from their teen’s tablets, cell phones, and laptops; teenagers are finding ways to hide their most-used apps. Also, more teens are participating in dangerous challenges from Tik Tok which is concerning as a parent. Parents must monitor their teenagers when they are using social media. There should be a schedule and a conversation about social media use. Furthermore, parents need to educate themselves more about the dangers of social media and how to use the apps.
Furthermore, parents who are addicted to social media should reduce their online time. Parents should set an example for their teens and younger siblings. Begin by turning off your cell phone, notifications, or silencing it during meals. Instead of being on social media while you eat as a family; take time to have a conversation with your children. Listen to them and offer advice if needed.
Additionally, do not allow your teens and younger children to sleep with their cell phones and other electronic devices. Sleep issues occur more with social media use at night. Place their electronics in another room or the parent's room. Explain to them about having a sleep schedule and answer their questions. Let them know how important it is for them to have a sleep schedule, for doing homework, and for their online entertainment.
Another item to watch out for is your teens taking their cell phones to the restroom. More teenagers are taking nude pictures of themselves to show to their sweethearts, friends, and classmates. Make sure they leave their cell phone in an area in the living room before they use the restroom. Look for hidden folders, hidden apps, and other suspicious activity in your children's electronic devices. Be aware of their social media contacts.
It might seem overprotective, harsh, and dishonest to review your child's electronics. But it must be done for their safety and your peace of mind. Watch out for aggression, boredom, and temper tantrums when they cannot use their electronic devices. Change their mindset by having them do hobbies that do not require social media. Here is a shortlist of stopping social media addiction.
- Take away their cell phones and electronics at night.
- Make a schedule for sleep, meals, and social media use.
- Make a homework schedule and print out the online resources for their essays.
- Review your child's electronics in the morning and at night.
- Ask them to share their passwords with you and with their father.
- Limit their time on social media.
- Tell them you will charge their electronic devices.
- Have them keep their profiles private.
- Make sure they do not give out confidential information online in messenger and online applications.
- Make sure they do not add strangers to their profiles and on messenger.
Keep an eye on them
when they are in messenger, hangouts, or other chat applications. If the
addiction is out of control, have them go to counseling and group therapy. Make
sure the babysitter follows the social media schedule with your child. Last,
turn off everyone's cell phones while they are inside the family car. Do not
use social media while you or your teen are driving.
Social media is very distracting while driving, eating, and watching television. Nonetheless, social media does have a positive effect as well as a negative effect on the mind. By limiting social media use, you and your teen will sleep better. Your child's mood and health will improve. Here are resources about social media addiction.
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