The Mindful Parent

By Shavonda Bean

Teen Connection:

Embracing Technology and Social Media

Technology and social media were essential during the pandemic. Tech was the hero that allowed me to stay connected to the community I serve during a time they needed it most. It was necessary for many of us to do our jobs, to learn, to stay connected to our friends, loved ones, communities and churches. As a result, we have inadvertently found ourselves more digitally connected than ever before.

Boundaries previously set between our work and home lives were blurred as people gained significantly more access to people’s personal lives. Our children were not excluded from this experience when suddenly home and school life merged. Ideals around appearance, body image, presentation and interpersonal relationships received close examination. We have all admired, been inspired or downright discouraged when we compare ourselves with what we see in the media. Children are no different.

“The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021” report indicated overall screen use among teens and tweens increased by 17 percent from 2019 to 2021. Since the pandemic, at least 38 percent of children ages 8 to 12 have used social media and almost one in five of them say they use it every day. Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok, Discord and YouTube are where they spend most of their time. The research also found that even though girls describe enjoying social media more than boys, boys are spending about the same amount of time on social media as girls.

Untangling the true impact of increased media use on emotional well-being and selfimage is not easy. Many adolescents describe virtual connections as positive. It helps them feel connected, deepens their relationships with friends, and can be a valuable source of information and connection to world issues. In my practice, more teenage boys describe how social media influences their opinions about their bodies and personal goals. They follow athletes, celebrities, peers, or influencers who have the physique or exercise routine or goals they admire. This peek inside the lives of others offers an example of what is attainable and can help motivate them to improve. They often feel up for the challenge. Girls are also motivated in many ways by what they see and they can find a sense of community in virtual connections.

We are continuing to learn about the influence of social media on life satisfaction and body acceptance in teenagers. There are many reasons to stay vigilant. If confidence or self-esteem is low, social media influences can breed negativity and further compromise the sense of self. Notice any warning signs that your child might be using the information they glean to set unrealistic expectations or timelines for accomplishing personal goals. Pay attention to dissatisfaction with appearance, muscles, weight and/or excessive exercising or dieting. The drama and comments on their social media posts can also be a source of contention. Keep this in mind if you start to notice disruptions in your child’s friendships and relationships followed by withdrawal or social isolation. Any of these could indicate the need for more guidance or parental support. Never hesitate to follow up with the doctor or a mental health professional if concerns are significant.

So while there are many benefits to technology and access to social media, we cannot ignore the risks and potential impacts on our children, their mental health and life satisfaction. Begin with keeping lines of communication open and checking in with your children about how they use social media, in addition to how they are responding to it. In the meantime, we will continue to learn to embrace the good that comes along with these advances and the way our youth are taking advantage of the power within it. P

Tiko Aramyan / Shutterstock.com

Shavonda Bean is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health. Visit Essentialhealthnc.com for more information.

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A Legacy of Inspiration Alvin Ailey’s Revelations

By Delaina Dixon

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with Artistic Director Robert Battle.

With a reputation as one the finest international ambassadors of American culture, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will embark on a 22-city tour, returning to the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for two nights only, February 21-22, 2023. The esteemed Company will bring a welcomed mix of contemporary world premieres by today’s brightest choreographers, along with Company premieres from respected dance creators throughout the decades.

AILEY AT ITS FINEST

Deemed “America’s most popular dance company” by The New Yorker, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has geared up for another exhilarating season of classic Ailey works. For more than 60 years, the Ailey company has brought its passionate spirit and precise technique to the stage, and with this year’s repertory, Artistic Director Robert Battle has cultivated a program that underlines the power of love in all its forms. “I believe we should celebrate love at any chance we get,” he shares.

The inspiring finale of all programs will be Alvin Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece Revelations. Since its debut in 1960, Revelations has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work. Acclaimed for sending hearts soaring and lifting audiences to their feet, its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music evoke timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence. Springing from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the south and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition.

AILEY FROM THE START

It was March 30, 1958, when Alvin Ailey fearlessly led a small group of African American dancers to the stage at New York City’s 92nd Street Y. Billed as a one-night engagement, the riveting performance launched a new voice and era in the world of dance. Envisioning a company that would enrich American dance heritage and preserve the uniqueness of the African American experience, Mr. Ailey became a trailblazer of modern movement. Over the next 30 years, his efforts grew to include education, community outreach, and cultural diplomacy.

He established Alvin Ailey American Dance Center — now The Ailey School — in 1969, and Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble — now Ailey II — in 1974. More than 25 million people have seen Ailey perform in 48 states, 71 countries, and across six continents — millions more through TV, film, and online. More than 235 works by over 90 choreographers have been a part of the Ailey repertory, and in 2008, the U.S. Congress designated the Company as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world.”

AILEY: NEXT GENERATION

Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor in 1989, and she brought the Company to unprecedented success during her 21-year tenure. Ms. Jamison, in turn, personally selected Robert Battle to succeed her in 2011. He has consistently “injected the company with new life,” as noted by The New York Times, and continues to bring innovation to its cause.

In 2014, Mr. Battle accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on behalf of the late Alvin Ailey. Most recently, the beloved choreographer is the subject of the acclaimed documentary Ailey, currently streaming on Hulu.

Alvin Ailey’s Revelations.

AILEY GIVES BACK

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues in its mission to uphold Mr. Ailey’s core value: that dance should be given back to the people. Along with the opportunity to see the Ailey company and Ailey II on stage, individuals can take classes online with Ailey Extension and enjoy the experience of movement with the Ailey community.

Tickets are on sale now by visiting BlumenthalArts.org or calling 704-372-1000. This is one show you don’t want to miss.