Is Your Child Addicted To Social Media

Is Your Child Addicted To Social Media

Social Media addiction has been in the news a lot this week, because Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is being sued because platforms like Instagram and Facebook were intentionally made to be addictive, particularly for teens. If you are worried that your child may be addicted, the Addiction Center has list of signs to look out for.

1. Inability To Disconnect
Teens who display trouble engaging in offline activities, such as face-to-face conversations with others, and who cannot seem to step away from social media may be suffering from social media addiction.

2. Secrecy And Defensiveness
Teens who keep their social media hidden or private or are defensive or overly protective of their social media engagements might be struggling with social media addiction.

3. Neglecting Responsibilities
Missing school or other activities, not completing homework, or ignoring chores to spend time on social media is a sign that teens are having trouble prioritizing tasks, possibly due to a social media addiction.

4. Social Withdrawal And Isolation
Turning down social events or time with family to seclude themselves so they have more time to spend on social media is a troublesome sign of addiction.

5. Fatigue And Sleep Disturbance
Teens who become addicted to social media will experience sleep disruption due to spending time on social media before bed, when they wake up in the middle of the night, or when they first wake up in the morning.

If your child is showing these signs The Ridge has listed out steps to help your kid.

1.Set a Good Example of Healthy Boundaries for Social Media Use

2. Have Open Conversations about Social Media

3. Monitor Your Child’s Phone Use

4. Use Creative Strategies to Limit Screen Time at Home

Courtesy of Addiction Center/The Ridge