0
0
July 2, 2024 — Amid increasing concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers, families across the U.S. are devising strategies to balance the benefits and dangers of online platforms. This issue has gained renewed attention following U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy’s call for a warning label on social media platforms, citing their potential mental health harms to youth. Reactions to this proposal have varied, with some supporting it and others doubting its effectiveness. The Los Angeles Unified School District has even proposed a school day ban on cell phones and social media platforms, reflecting a growing movement among educators and parents.
A Gallup poll highlights the urgency of this issue, revealing that 51% of teens spend at least four hours daily on social media. In response, families are implementing unique policies to manage their children’s social media use effectively. Here’s how six households are tackling this challenge:
No Text Sundays: The O’Masta Family
In the O’Masta household in Tucson, AZ, the first Sunday of each month is designated as “No Text Sunday.” Lisa O’Masta, CEO of Learning.com, and her husband John, have two teen boys who must refrain from texting between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on these Sundays. Despite some resistance, this rule fosters family conversations and reduces screen time.
Their other policies include a “10 apps” rule, requiring the boys to delete an app if they want to add a new one, and charging all devices overnight in the kitchen. Lisa, who has a personal connection to the dangers of social media following her son’s suicide attempt after online bullying, emphasizes the importance of educating youth about the risks of online platforms.
Educate Early: The Leidemer Family
Susan Leidemer, a licensed professional counselor in Allendale, NJ, introduced her three teens to social media around seventh grade, accompanied by comprehensive education on online etiquette and long-term consequences. Her household rules include no phones during meals, phones off an hour before bed, and strict school policies.
Leidemer believes that despite the risks, social media has significant benefits, such as keeping her daughter occupied and learning new skills during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Instagram with Limits: The Hurley Family
Katie Hurley, senior clinical advisor for the Jed Foundation, and her husband, a musician with many Instagram followers, have established time limits for their teens’ Instagram use. Their daughter and son are allowed 25 and 10 minutes daily, respectively. Phones are banned from the bedroom and dinner table, and charged overnight at a central station.
Hurley supports the idea of a warning label on social media, viewing it as a potential “pause button” for reflection on usage.
Addressing Cyberbullying: The Kubo Family
Tonya Kubo, an online digital strategist in Merced, CA, had to intervene when her daughter received harmful messages on social media. Their household policies include family locks on phones, an approval process for new apps, and regular email monitoring.
Kubo believes a warning label alone won’t change behavior and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and parental involvement.
Bucking the Pressure: The Rapoport Family
Ian Rapoport, a reporter for the NFL Network, and his wife Leah, resist the trend of giving smartphones to their boys in fifth grade. Instead, their sons use Apple watches with limited internet access and tablets with guardrails. They support the Wait Until 8th movement, advocating for delaying smartphone use until the end of eighth grade.
Rapoport supports the idea of a warning label, recognizing both the benefits and dangers of social media.
Dumb Phone Approach: The Prinstein Family
Mitch Prinstein, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his wife have chosen to keep their children off social media for now. They plan to get their daughter a “dumb phone” with limited functionalities this summer. Prinstein believes a warning label would serve as a wake-up call for parents.
Expert Insight: Researchers and Doctors
As families navigate these challenges, experts continue to study social media’s impact. Douglas Gentile, PhD, from Iowa State University, advocates for providing parents with content information rather than age-based ratings. Jane Harness, DO, at the University of Michigan, is developing a web-based intervention to help teens understand and manage their social media use. Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz, MD, from Silver Hill Hospital, notes that many teens struggle with social media’s impact on their mental health, particularly those already facing other issues.
These varied approaches highlight the complexity of managing teen social media use, underscoring the need for continued education, open communication, and supportive policies.
