Local business owners understand mobile devices’ impact on commerce and customer service. As parents, we have undoubtedly observed the influence on teen and preteen mental health. Local psychologists in your region may be able to provide valuable guidance and therapy to assist your parenting and your teen or preteen kid in dealing with the social pressures that come with mobile device use.
The Impact of Mobile Devices and Social Media on the Mental Health of Teens and Preteens
Academic psychologists who deal with parents to help them cope with the pressures of modern life have personal knowledge of the influence that mobile devices and social media may have on the mental health of teenagers and preteens. On the one hand, these technologies have the potential to give an abundance of knowledge as well as chances for connection and conversation. They can, however, lead to feelings of loneliness, worry, and low self-esteem.
The Upsides of Mobile Devices and Social Media
One of the most significant benefits of mobile devices and social media is their capacity to connect individuals, particularly those who may feel alienated or lonely in their offline life. Social media may provide teenagers and preteens a feeling of community and belonging while also allowing them to keep in touch with friends and relatives who may live far away.
Aside from the social elements, mobile devices and social media allow instant access to a wealth of information and services. These technologies may be used by students to perform research for school projects, stay up to date on current events, and find their hobbies and interests.
The Downsides of Mobile Devices and Social Media
Mobile gadgets and social media can have both beneficial and bad effects on teenagers’ and preteens’ mental health. Psychologists and parents alike have highlighted social media’s influence on body image and self-esteem as a key source of worry. With a steady stream of highly crafted, and sometimes unrealistic, pictures and impressions drawn from social media platforms, it is easy for young people to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate while witnessing their peers’ participation and obtaining Likes.
Social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out) in teenagers and preteens during their critical social adjustment era, in addition to its effect on body image. Constant alerts and the pressure to stay connected can lead to feelings of stress and apprehension about missing important events or social engagements.
The possibility of their adolescent or preteen kid being cyberbullied or harassed online can also overwhelm parents. While anonymity on the Internet allows people to say things they would not say in person, it may also lead to the spread of nasty and cruel comments. This can have serious consequences for the targeted individual’s mental health, including anxiety, despair, and even suicide ideation.
Get Help From A Licensed Psychologist Who Is Mindful Of This Parenting Challenge
As a culture, we have become increasingly reliant on social media for communication, entertainment, and connection. While social media offers numerous benefits, a growing body of evidence suggests that it can also have harmful consequences on mental health, especially among adolescent girls.
According to a review of the evidence conducted by the American Psychological Association, teenage social media use has been associated to elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Girls tend to be more susceptible to the harmful impacts of social media than guys.
One explanation for this might be because females and boys utilize social media in different ways. Girls are more likely to use social media to show themselves to others and seek acceptance and validation, which can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem if these needs are not satisfied. Girls are also more likely to be victims of cyberbullying and online harassment, which can have major effects for their mental health.
Girls’ anxiety may be exacerbated by the need to project a flawless picture on social media. Many girls feel compelled to keep their social media profiles up to date and portray a highly managed image of their life, which can be taxing and lead to feelings of inadequacy if they fall short of these expectations.
There is also data that shows that continual social media exposure might lead to a lack of face-to-face social connection, which is necessary for the development of social skills and emotional well-being. Girls who spend too much time on social media may lose opportunities to develop these abilities, leading to feelings of isolation and worry.
Psychologist Workshop Event In The Albany NY Area
Dr. Randy L. Cale, an experienced psychologist in the Albany, New York region, will offer a class on how to use technology in a healthy and predictable manner. In this interesting and educational presentation, Dr. Cale will provide ways for lowering anxieties about electronics and technology, as well as a clear set of established strategies for managing technology without continual negotiation and conflict. Using these strategies can help you achieve peace of mind and a pleasant home atmosphere.
This class will be conducted on January 10th from 6:30-8pm at Forts Ferry Elementary in Albany’s Latham neighborhood. Dr. Cale is a certified psychologist, author, lecturer, and parenting consultant who has been on NBC, Fox News, and in a variety of periodicals and newspapers. As part of his practice, he offers Neurofeedback Mapping (Qeeg) and Neurofeedback Training to children and adults suffering from ADD/ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and depression.
Do you have children that are hooked to or refuse to turn off electronics? Do you have questions about how to establish boundaries or are concerned about the impacts of screen time? This is the workshop for you. Learn how to pull your children out of academic ruts, how to eliminate rudeness and talking back, and how to instill healthy habits in your children.
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