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Unstructured idle time over summer break can do more harm than good, especially when scrolling through a social media timeline becomes a child’s top priority. The potential for damage has not gone unnoticed: A recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warned parents of the relationship between excessive social media use and poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, sleep difficulties, and depression among young people. 

ResWell, one of the only integrative mental health practices in Southern California, has also taken notice.

“The ResWell team has seen firsthand the effects that social media, technology, and a lack of structure can have on a child’s physical and mental health. It’s why we recommend that parents create a plan this summer to help prevent their children from spending the rest of their vacation locked to a screen,” said Francisco Navarro, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist and Founder/CEO of ResWell.

ResWell shared three strategies parents can use to help reduce social media’s impact on their children:

1. Create Tech-Free Zones & Schedules

A simple but effective way parents can limit their children’s screen time is to create tech-free zones throughout the home, as well as schedule times when screens, social media, and other technology will be turned off. Here are a few examples of how to implement this strategy:

• Have a basket away from the dining area where family members can store smartphones and other devices during meals.

• Ask children to remove smartphones, laptops, and other screens from their rooms before bedtime (ideally, there should be zero technology in the bedroom).

• Encourage children to pursue other hobbies, such as reading, learning an instrument, or working out. Parents could even schedule an hour each day devoted to enjoying a tech-free activity.

2. Encourage In-Person Socializing

Online platforms and social media apps can be a place to chat with friends, meet new people, and share fun moments of life with others. However, they can also be a source of cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and damaging or violent media that can impact a child’s mental health. 

Limiting screen time can help prevent these negative effects, but parents need to be sure they aren’t damaging their child’s relationships or social needs. That’s why it’s a good idea to encourage children to interact, socialize, and build bonds with others in person instead of online. Here are a few examples of how parents can do so:

• Schedule weekly board game nights, nightly walks, or family outings that don’t revolve around screens or technology. Let children invite friends to join in on the fun!

• Encourage children to attend summer camps, volunteer opportunities, or other local activities and events that suit their interests.

• Allow children to host a sleepover or invite friends over to hang out for an afternoon or evening.

3. Lead by Example

Children often mimic the behavior they observe, so parents should make a conscious effort to reduce their own use of technology and social media. When children see parents actively participating in other activities, valuing face-to-face interactions, and limiting their screen time, they will be more likely to follow suit. 

Parents should also explain the reasons why they are encouraging meaningful, in-person interactions and putting limits on their family’s amount of screen time and social media use. This can help open an honest conversation, allowing parents to address fears or concerns their children may have and work with them to create a plan that keeps them feeling safe, healthy, and acknowledged.

“We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

By implementing effective, actionable strategies like these to limit social media use and screen time, parents can help protect their children’s mental health and prevent this national crisis from entering their homes.

About ResWell

ResWell is on a mission to educate the community, optimize health, and eradicate the stigma around mental health. At ResWell, our collaborative providers guide children and their families on their lifelong journeys with integrative, evidence-based mental health services that help create a foundation for ongoing healing, resilience, and growth. Whether your family is dealing with a specific condition like ADHD, anxiety, or depression or simply needs assistance navigating the various seasons of life, the mental health specialists at ResWell can help.

About the Office of the Surgeon General

The U.S. Surgeon General is the Nation’s Doctor, providing Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. The Surgeon General oversees the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, an elite group of over 6,000 uniformed officers who are public health professionals. The USPHS mission is to protect, promote, and advance the health of our nation.

Media Contact
Company Name: ResWell
Contact Person: Risa Goldman Luksa
Email: Send Email
Phone: 626.778.0060
Address:200 E Del Mar Blvd Suite 200
City: Pasadena
State: CA 91105
Country: United States
Website: ResWellHealth.com