02/22/2025
Great advice regarding helping kids deal with the pressures of social media!
Social media can be fun, exciting, even helpful. But at times, it can also fuel self-doubt. Here are a few ways parents can support their teenagers to have a healthier relationship with social media.
Take social media seriously
Don't underestimate its impact on teens. Online interactions-likes, breakups, and negative comments-feel very real to them. Listen carefully and avoid dismissing their experiences.
Encourage critical thinking
Ask your child what might be cropped or edited out of "perfect" posts. Discuss deeper questions: Are friends really as they appear online? Are you? How do likes and social media affect your mood?
Model a healthy response to failure
Show kids that failure is okay. Be open about your own setbacks and treat them as learning experiences, not something to hide.
Praise (and show) effort
Recognize your child's hard work, regardless of the outcome. Share your own efforts, even when they don't succeed it sets a powerful example.
Take a "social holiday"
If social media is overwhelming your child, suggest a break and take one yourself. You might find it just as challenging!
Trust people, not pictures
Don't rely on social media to gauge your child's well-being. If they seem unhappy, check in. Let them know it's safe to talk: "I'm here, and I love you. Let's work through this together."
February is Boost Self-Esteem Month. Save this post to read through more of our resources for helping kids develop healthy self-esteem and confidence:
https://childmind.org/topics/confidence-and-self-esteem/?utm_source=Source&utm_medium=Directmessage&utm_campaign=Manychat
