Communication Disputes: exploitation of Instagram as a conduit for a mother and her 19-year-old offspring's interactions
MY SON'S OBSESSION WITH HIS PHONE HAS ME CONCERNED - AND THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT!
It started six years ago when he created an Instagram account that I couldn't stand on the sidelines and watch. I shared my worries with a friend, and now here I am, still juggling the same fears as he turns 19.
Guess who doesn't want to budge? You guessed it - my son! He insists on his privacy, and if I'm being honest, he's a digital wizard, always finding a way to bypass my concerns.
As a parent, it's natural to worry about the potential pitfalls of social media, especially given the mess it can wreak on a teenager's emotional well-being.
Studies show that prolonged social media use can have a detrimental impact on a teen's self-esteem, sleep quality, and even their mental health - with girls being hit the hardest[5]. It's also quite possible for screen time to interfere with their sleep patterns, triggering late-night binges or nighttime scrolling[5].
Moreover, social media can fuel both social isolation and the pressure to participate. Teens are torn between the need to remain connected to avoid being left out and the risk of excessive use leading to a lack of real-life interactions[5]. And let's not forget the potential perils lurking online, like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy invasions[3].
But fear not, there's hope! Instagram has introduced a feature called Family Center, which allows parents to set screen time limits, add break reminders, and monitor their teen's usage[3]. Plus, if your teen insists on keeping their account private, rest easy knowing that only approved followers can see their content[3].
Setting boundaries, like limiting scrolling during nighttime hours, can also contribute to better sleep habits[2]. Promoting mindful usage, focusing on positive interactions, and fostering open communication are other crucial steps towards a healthier relationship with technology for your teen[5].
So here I am, taking one step at a time, hoping that my son and I can navigate this digital world together - even if he thinks I'm being a total pain at times.
In light of my son's excessive social media usage and the potential negative effects on his health-and-wellness, I'm pursuing technology-centered solutions such as setting screen time limits, adding break reminders, and monitoring his activity through Instagram's Family Center. Moreover, I'm advocating for a balance between science-backed best practices, like limiting screen time during nighttime hours, and promoting positive social interactions to ensure his overall well-being, including his mental health.
