Building Self-Esteem in the Digital Age: Navigating Social Media and Mental Health

mental well-being

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5 February 2024

Joanne Ng

These days, kids and teens spend a lot of time on social media, which affects how they feel about themselves. While it’s good for staying connected, it can also make them feel unsure about themselves.

 

The Social Media Influence

On social media, people show only the best parts of their lives. For kids, this might make them feel like they’re not good enough. Seeing this all the time can make them feel worried or sad.

 

Understanding the Impact

As parents, it’s essential to recognize the influence of social media on your child’s self-esteem. Signs of negative impact may include increased screen time, withdrawal, or changes in behavior. These signs might indicate feelings of inadequacy or comparison triggered by online interactions.

 

Tips for Parents

 

  • Open Communication: Chat with your child about the internet. Ask how they feel and what they think about it. Make sure they know it’s okay to talk about it.
  • Spotting The Fake Stuff Online: Teach your child about what’s true or not online. Show them how to check if something’s real or just made up.
  • Setting Boundaries: Establish healthy screen time limits and encourage breaks from social media. Emphasize the importance of balancing online activities with real-life interactions and hobbies.
  • Promote Positive Content: Encourage your child to follow accounts that promote positivity, diversity, and authenticity. Help them curate a feed that uplifts and inspires rather than fuels negative comparisons. 
  • Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy social media habits yourself. Show that you value real-life connections and self-care over excessive screen time.

 

Empowering Children

Teaching children to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and resilience offline is crucial. Encourage activities that foster self-confidence, such as hobbies, sports, creative endeavors, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Guiding children to navigate social media’s impact on self-esteem is an ongoing process. By fostering open communication, teaching media literacy, and promoting a healthy balance between online and offline activities, parents can play a pivotal role in building their children’s self-esteem in the digital age.

Keep things balanced  – It’s not about getting rid of social media. Instead, help your child use it wisely while taking care of their mental health.

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