SCREEN TIME

Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, AskFM, ChatGPT: 

Without a doubt, screen time with cell phones, iPads, TV’s, video games and computers are a huge part of teenage culture and social independence. T hese devices enable teens to keep up with their friends, to know what is happening, make announcements, explore relationships, research facts, create content, navigate to new places, make social decisions, play games and enter into social interactions in ways that shield information from parents (a part of the parent child independence issue described above).

Social media platforms have become entrenched into the teenage psyche in our country, profoundly impacting their relationships and daily interactions. Sites such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook play significant roles in shaping adolescent experiences, behavior and relationships. It is important for parents to ensure that their children engage with these platforms only when they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities and challenges they present. Even then, active monitoring of your child’s posts is crucial to prevent harmful behaviors and negative outcomes.

Some postings to social media sites may be dark and menacing. Cyberbullying can occur, both as an act committed by or against your child. Therefore, maintaining vigilance is important in protecting your teenager from potential harm by bullying.

Be attentive to any sexually inappropriate content that may appear, as it can adversely affect your child’s development, reputation, legal status and well-being. Your management of screen time and social media use is crucial to helping your child navigate the wonders and the perils of adolescence without disasters.

Cell phones

Despite what your child might say to the contrary, cell phones pose many dangers to teenagers. This is especially true of Internet enabled cell phones. A few cell phone guidelines are in order:

1. We recommend waiting until at least 7th grade, or preferably later, before purchasing a cell phone for your child. Start with a device that only allows voice calls and texting, to avoid Internet access. Smartphones with Internet can expose children to harmful content, like pornography, which can negatively impact their sexual and moral development. Pornography is unfit for teenagers. It's essential to protect them from such material. The device you choose will influence what your child can access, so make this decision carefully. Gradually expand their technological capabilities as they demonstrate maturity. Use content filters and encourage accountability in their device usage.
2. Avoid phones that allow photo sharing until your child is mature. Sharing inappropriate photos of minors under the age of 18 which show nudity, even innocently, is considered child pornography and is a serious criminal offense. Sexting is common among teens and can result in tragic consequences, including legal charges, embarrassment, and even suicide. Advise your child to delete any sexts they receive immediately, as possessing such material is illegal. Warn them against sending any explicit photos of themselves. Also, caution them about posting revealing swimsuit photos on social media, as these images remain public indefinitely.
3. Keep your child's cell phone, ipad and computer with you at night to prevent late-night use. Don't allow your child to sleep with their phone, as it can lead to excessive texting and screen time, which can interfere with sleep and impact academic performance. Controlling who can reach your child during late hours requires keeping their electronics with you at night. Consider buying a dedicated alarm clock instead of using a cell phone for that purpose.
4. Regularly review your child’s phone messages and texts. Make it known to your child that you will be checking and reading their messages. This is not an invasion of privacy but a necessary measure to protect them from potential dangers. As a parent, you have the right and responsibility to monitor their relationships. If your child refuses to provide their password to access their phone content, terminate their cell phone service. The use of a cell phone is a privilege that teenagers must earn. They have no legal right to privacy from their parents at this age, as their right to privacy begins on their 18th birthday.

Video games:

Video games have become an integral part of modern entertainment, attracting millions of players of all ages. However, excessive video game usage can pose significant risks, particularly concerning social isolation. Here is a detailed look at the hazards and implications of excessive use:

1. Social Isolation: Excessive gaming can limit face-to-face interactions with family and friends, weakening social bonds and increasing feelings of loneliness. Over time, this may lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
2. Physical Health Concerns: Prolonged gaming promotes a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in minimal or no physical exercise. This lack of movement can lead to an increased risk of obesity and overall cardiovascular health.
3. The competitive nature of many video games can release stress hormones without the accompanying physical release, contributing to obesity and weakened bones.
4. Exposure to Violent Content: Many popular games involve themes of aggression, warfare, and graphic violence. Research suggests a connection between exposure to violent games and an increase in aggressive behavior, as well as desensitization to real-life violence. It’s crucial to provide age-appropriate content, as younger players may struggle to distinguish between virtual and real-world violence.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact: For some individuals, excessive gaming can lead to addictive behaviors, causing neglect in other areas of life such as school, work, or personal relationships. Depression is common among avid gamers.
6. Concerns have emerged regarding the impact of blue light emissions from screens, which can disrupt sleep patterns and cause eye strain. T he high refresh rates of video screens can overstimulate the brain, potentially causing headaches or migraines. The very quick screen f lashes of refresh rates of a video screen are far different from the stable light of the sun. The former is destructive to mental health, the latter builds mental health.
7. Excessive gaming leads to a decline in interest in real-world social interactions. This isolation can negatively impact social development and forming meaningful relationships. Gamers may well be loners. 

Recommendations for Balanced Gaming Habits

1. Moderation is key. Treat video gaming like having dessert—acceptable occasionally but detrimental in excess. Typically, limiting video game usage to 1 to 1.5 hours per day can help mitigate potential negative effects.
2. Prioritizing physical activities and outdoor play is healthier for children than playing video games. Sports, hobbies, and social gatherings provide necessary exercise and opportunities for social interaction and skill development. Teenagers who participate in athletics are rarely depressed. Instead of buying a video game for your child’s birthday, purchase a soccer ball instead.
3. Monitor content to ensure that gaming material is age-appropriate, preventing exposure to violent or otherwise unsuitable content for younger players.
4. Maintain open communication about gaming habits to help address issues early before they escalate and become entrenched, fostering a healthier balance between digital and real-life activities.

While video games can be a source of entertainment and education, mindful management of gaming habits is essential to avoid the pitfalls of social isolation and related health risks.

Television and Motion Pictures: 

TV and motion pictures often present mature sexually charged content that is inappropriate for teenagers to view. You should control the viewing of this content.

IN SUMMARY: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU LIMIT AND TIGHTLY CONTROL CELL PHONE USAGE AND ALL SCREEN TIME CONTENT FOR YOUR CHILD!

Next: Other dangers.