+ HEALTH + Wellness
Tips to Help Protect Your Child’s Mental Health From Harmful Social Media Use By Courtney Schauder, RD, LDN, Health Engagement Consultant, UnitedHealthcare
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ocial media can be a great tool to help build connections, stay informed and engage with others. However, it can become all-consuming and potentially damaging to adolescent brain development, which is a cause for concern. A recent advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy calls attention to social media’s potentially harmful effects on children’s mental health. According to the report, 95% of teens ages 13-17 say they use social media, with more than a third saying they use it “almost constantly.” In addition, 40% of children ages 8-12 use social media, even though most platforms require users to be at least 13 to participate. According to a study in the report, teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face twice the risk of experiencing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Other potential issues referenced in the report include: Body dissatisfaction or disordered eating behaviors Social comparison ■ Lower self-esteem ■ Poor sleep ■ ■
The information in this report corroborates with what UnitedHealthcare providers often see: an increased rate of harmful comparison, limited in-person interaction, feelings of loneliness, and an uptick in anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Dr. Donald Tavakoli, national medical director for behavioral health at UnitedHealthcare, says the amount of time children spend online affects their overall development. The Surgeon General’s advisory comes as youth mental health remains in a state of crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2023
