In today’s digital age, children are growing up surrounded by digital technology and social media. While these tools can provide numerous benefits, such as access to information and communication with others, they also have significant impact on our children’s mental health.
One of the primary concerns regarding social media and electronic devices is the impact they can have on children’s self-esteem and body image. The most popular social media platforms are filled with (often doctored) images of seemingly perfect lives and bodies, which can lead children to compare themselves to unrealistic standards. The constant exposure to these idealized images can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, which in-turn can severely damage our children’s mental health and wellbeing.
While these platforms are designed to connect people, they can also lead to a sense of disconnection, alienation, loneliness and isolation. At times, children spend hours scrolling through their feeds, comparing themselves to others and feeling left out of social events. This can lead to depression as well as a lack of real-life social connections.
In addition to social media, the use of electronic devices can also have a negative impact on children’s mental health. Excessive screen time has been linked to a variety of issues, including poor sleep quality, decreased physical activity and ability, and obesity. Again, this contributes to depression, anxiety and social awkwardness; it may then put the children at higher risk for being bullied.
Moreover, the constant stimulation provided by electronic devices can also have a negative impact on children’s attention span and cognitive development. Children who spend excessive amounts of time on screens may struggle to focus on tasks that require sustained attention, such as reading or studying. This may worsen the situation in children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder. And eventually it may lead to academic difficulties, feelings of frustration and the sense that “I am a failure in life”.
While most of us may agree that the use of electronic devices and social media have their positives, they still require care and common sense so that we can avoid the most harmful effects in our children. It is essential for parents, teachers and other caregivers to be aware of the risks and take necessary actions to mitigate them. These may include limiting screen time, encouraging social interactions and physical activity. Let’s get our children in church and other youth clubs, sports teams, music and dancing, steel bands, drama clubs and other such activities.
By properly addressing the impact of social media and electronic devices, we can help to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy and supportive environment that promotes their social and mental health and well-being.
