Nearly half of teens (46 percent) are online almost constantly, while the majority of teens (96 percent) are using the internet every day.

In a new report by PEW Research Center, the majority of teens (72 percent) admitted they are happier and more peaceful when they are detached from their devices (screens). This is a contrast to the other almost half (44 percent) that say they feel anxious, upset, or lonely.

Whether the teen is feeling happier or anxious, both of these can be concerning since it goes back to the overuse of screen time that is causing them either not to have peace in their life or to have anxiety or even feel lonely.

5 Ways to Create a Smartphone Contract to Manage Screen Time

Creating a smartphone contract between you and your teen is an excellent way to teach your child about these rules and responsibilities, as well as the consequences for not seeing them through. Be sure you go over every item in your contract, giving your teen the opportunity to ask questions and even make suggestions.

These are 5 tips to limit screen-time in a smartphone contract:

1. Limiting notifications: Parents also need to be part of this. For every ring, buzz, whistle, or ding that your phone announces for each app notification, it can trigger a sense of anxiousness—the person feels like they need to check it immediately.

Your teen should be allowed three to five app notifications; this can help limit their screen time and their anxiety.

2. Having phone limits: Designate phone limits and stick to them (not easy, but necessary). According to the most recent PEW report, many parents and teens argue about screen time and devices. If you have a contract (agreement) in place, hopefully it could curb destructive conversations in the home.

What are healthy phone limits? According to Reid Health, for both adults and kids (outside of work and school) it should be an average of 2 hours. It’s probably safe to say that both adults and teens break that number.

3. Eating without electronics: This generation needs to have a better understanding of having a meal without distractions, especially when with friends (or family)—it’s simply disrespectful.

Whether you’re at home or in a restaurant, a no-device rule should always be implemented for both teens and parents.

4. Sleeping “safely”: As much as we want to trust our young people, they are drawn to their screens; night scrolling is real. It can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, and your teen to lose valuable sleep. Eventually, their academic performance starts slipping and their attitude becomes flippant.

Implement in your contract a designated time at night that all devices are placed into your home safe or lockbox for the night. This will eliminate any temptation for endless texting, scrolling, or other needless social media engagement.

5. Having a social activity challenge: Interestingly, the PEW report shares that the majority of teens (69 percent) say smartphones make it easier for people their age to pursue hobbies and interests. It’s the positive side of screen time, but it’s also how we can take it offline.

Encourage your teen to get involved offline in their favorite hobby (activity) with friends (maybe some they have met online) after you have properly vetted them, rather than always conversing through screens.

In Conclusion

Do you think it’s too late to start a smartphone contract with your teenager? You would be wrong—yes, you may get some pushback, but studies have shown that teens want boundaries, they really want to get offline, and you can help them.

Also read:

How to Help Your Teen With Cyberbullying

How Cyberbullying Impacts A Teen’s Mental Health

How Much Is Too Much Screen Time for Teens

The post 5 Tips to Limit Your Teen’s Screen Time first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Doomscrolling or doomsurfing has become a trend that is impacting mental health with all ages and especially teenagers. This is when a person spends an excessive amount of time online (scrolling) and reading about negative events. In 2019, a study by the National Academy of Sciences found that doomscrolling can be linked to a decline in mental and physical health.

Unlike bullying in person which can be contained to classrooms, buses or neighborhoods, cyberbullying is on a global platform that can spread worldwide. It can be in the form of a text message spread to millions of peers (and strangers), or on a social media post gone viral. We have seen the results of sexting scandals that have crisscrossed our country in both middle schools and high schools — leaving adolescents emotionally devastated.

Has your teen sent or received a sext message or posted something inappropriately, only to become a target of online shame? Never doubt the cruelty of some people online — with the anonymity of social media, peers can take on a new persona without a second thought that there is a real person behind the screen.

Have you noticed your teen:

-Becoming withdrawn, avoiding friends or social events
-Feelings of sadness
-Hiding their screen (phone or computer) from your view
-Grades are dropping, skipping classes, school refusal
-Seems anxious or angry when on their device
–Isolating themselves in their room (more than normal)
-Believe they are doing drugs or drinking (maybe self-medicating)

These are some indications that your teen could be struggling with online issues (cyber-victimization).

4 Ways Social Media Affects Teenage Mental Health

1. Depression and anxiety

Many teens are seeking gratification and approval through their social media platforms, basing their self-worth on how many “likes” or followers they garnish through their posts. Teenagers who search for acceptance on social media are more likely to succumb to those that are not always going to agree with them. Another words, they are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and online hate.

There is a vast amount of research which concurs that teens that are victims of online bullying and harassment has consistently led to higher levels of depression and anxiety.  In addition, one study found that 93% of the teens that were victimized felt sadness, hopelessness, powerlessness and loneliness.

Since 2019 the numbers have doubled of youth struggling with depression and anxiety, and many experts have blamed the increase of screen-time for this statistic — cyberbullying has also increased 40 percent since 2020.

2. Digital self-harm

Digital self-harm is a trend that parents might not be aware of. Studies show distressed teens physically injure themselves via cutting, burning or other forms of self-harm as a way to cope with their pain.

Teens are anonymously posting mean and derogatory comments about themselves on social media as a way to manage feelings of sadness and self-hatred and to gain attention from their friends.

According to the American Psychological Association, teens who physically injure themselves often struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or difficulties with emotional regulation.

3. Self-harm and suicide ideation

Again, there has been numerous reports proving victims of cyberbullying are at a greater risk of both self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Teens that are being constantly harassed by peers (or strangers) through digital means (social media, text messages, instant messaging) often begin to feel helpless and hopeless.

If your teen is a victim of revenge porn or a sext message gone viral, the embarrassment and humiliation can be overwhelming. Maybe it’s a malicious prank someone posted about them — the online shame your teen feels can be emotional traumatic.

That’s when a teen may believe only way to relieve the pain is to end their life — or some will self-harm such as cutting or burning themselves.

4. Eating disorders.

Social media is where teens are posting images faster than lightening. The numbers are overwhelming and although much of the content supports positive body image, some promote the opposite — body shaming. A teen will literally spend hours perfecting an image to post online, and within minutes haters can pile on distasteful comments, ugly memes, and spread harmful rumors.

The relation of body image to bullying is strong. In one study, 90 percent indicated that they are currently bullied and 75 percent reported struggling with a clinically significant eating disorder.

Never doubt, the digital playgrounds your teens are on can be a harsh environment. The old cliché of sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you, is history. YES, words hurt and the pain can be long-lasting if not addressed with professional help.

Also read:

How to Help My Teen Handle Cyberbullying

What Causes Teen Mental Health Issues

How to Help My Teen Manage Screen Time

The post How Social Media Is Affecting Teenage Mental Health first appeared on Help Your Teens.

We are now facing a time when nearly all teens (96 percent) are using the internet every day, and the amount of young people who are online almost constantly has nearly doubled from 2015 until today, according to the PEW Research Center.

Although most of us understand that the train has left the station for this generation of teens and technology, it doesn’t mean parents give up on trying to take back control of their devices. Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory, Social Media and Youth Mental Health, digging into the complex world teenagers and youth are dealing with online, especially when they are not emotionally prepared.

Social media and the overuse of screen time have been proven to diminish the mental health of our young people; parents watch their children rage or have explosive meltdowns if they even threaten to remove their phones. It’s time to help teens learn how to manage screen time successfully.

5 Ways to Help Your Teen Manage Screen Time

This may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile since your teen’s future and mental well-being are at risk.

1. Knowledge is power. Although your teen has probably heard you warn them about the risks of social media to their mental health, it’s time to talk about the risks of too much social media (screen time) for anyone, including yourself as a parent.

More research and studies have shown that many adults have become slaves to their phones, leading to increased issues with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. In other words, many parents can relate to their teenager’s digital life; let’s work on this together. Let your teen know they’re not alone.

2. Limit your notifications. This is probably one of the biggest (and easiest) stress reducers you can make for your teen and yourself. To have a half dozen sounds of buzzes, whistles, rings, and songs going off to notify you that an app has been updated can be overwhelming—and automatically starts triggering emotions, especially if you can’t answer it immediately.

Have your teen choose three apps (or whatever you are comfortable with) for sounds. The others they can manually check periodically.

3. Set daily device-free time. Whether it’s meal (breakfast or dinner) time, before bedtime, or one to two hours in the afternoon or morning, develop a schedule when no one is staring at screens. On weekends, create family activities that don’t involve screens. Keep in mind that this includes the parents, too.

4. Create boundaries with a technology contract. Did you know teenagers want someone to impose screen time limits on them? As mentioned earlier, the train did leave the station, and it’s hard to get it back, but as a parent, you still have the power to lead the ship.

Sit down together as a family, discuss what they consider to be fair as a starting point, and begin your negotiations from there. Allowing them to be part of the conversation also helps them better understand the consequences they will have when breaking the rules (boundaries).

5. Importance of sleep. Adolescents are known for staying up all night, scrolling their social feeds, binging, or even gaming. However, this is extremely unhealthy and can have a profound impact on their emotional health and academics.

A safe or lockbox is one of the best investments for your child’s mental well-being. Choose a time at night when devices will be secured until the morning. This can help you improve your teen’s sleep, which typically improves other areas of their life, like school.

In conclusion, as parents, we need our young people to understand better that learning a healthy balance of screen time benefits all of us; as both adults and teenagers, we need to start managing our online lives successfully for our mental wellness.

Also read:

How Cyberbullying Effects Mental Health

What Causes Teen Mental Health Issues

The post How to Help My Teen Manage Screen Time first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat have become commonplace tools employed by young people everywhere; however, there are a number of serious issues concerning mental health and safety that arise out of extended usage.

Parental monitoring apps have also made it easier than ever before for guardians to keep tabs on their children’s activity online, but can these tools be exploited? In this blog post, we’ll explore why it is essential that the impact of technology and the internet on our children be assessed closely.

Digital World’s Impact on Youth Mental Health

As technology continues to evolve, its impact on younger generations is becoming increasingly apparent. The digital world has brought about new advancements and connectedness, but it also presents challenges when it comes to mental health.

From cyberbullying to social media pressure to online addiction, there are various factors that can negatively affect youth mental health in today’s digital age.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Many experts are exploring how technology can also be used positively to help young people cope with mental health challenges and improve their well-being. Understanding the impact of the digital world on youth mental health is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals in order to provide the best support and guidance possible.

Protecting the Eyes of Youth

Online predators and cyberbullies aren’t the only threats that can arise from extended internet use. Young people’s eyes can also be damaged by extended exposure to blue light emitted from electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers. This is why it is essential for adults to research blue light filter glasses for kids and other products that can help protect their vision.

There are also a number of basic steps that adults can take to protect the eyes of young people, such as setting limits on screen time and encouraging them to rest their eyes after using devices for extended periods of time.

As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure our children are not overusing digital devices, so that they can ensure their physical and mental health remain intact.

How Technology is Changing the Way We Interact with Each Other

It’s no secret that technology is transforming the way we interact with each other. Social media platforms and messaging apps have changed the way young people communicate, and it’s important to assess how this shift in communication is impacting our youth.

Social media can be used for positive interaction and connection, but it can also lead to issues such as isolation or depression if not used in a responsible manner. It’s important for adults to discuss with young people the importance of maintaining healthy relationships, both online and offline.

It’s also essential to remember that digital interaction is not a substitute for real-life connection. Technology should be used to enhance relationships rather than replace them entirely. By having open conversations about the positive and negative aspects of technology, adults can help young people learn how to navigate the digital world in a responsible and respectful manner.

Exposing Kids to Positive Online Communities

As kids increasingly rely on technology for education, entertainment, and social interaction, it’s important to make sure their online experiences are positive and safe. One way to do that is by introducing them to positive online communities. These communities offer a space for kids to connect with others who share similar interests, passions, and goals.

They can also serve as a source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. Exposure to these types of communities can help kids develop social skills, expand their knowledge, and broaden their horizons. By connecting with others who are passionate about the same things, kids can discover new ideas, gain confidence, and have fun while exploring the digital world.

In the rapidly evolving digital world, it’s clear that technology’s influence on youth is profound and multifaceted. From their mental health to the way they interact with others, the digital world significantly shapes the experiences of young people today. While there are certainly challenges associated with this influence, there are also opportunities.

By understanding and addressing the negative impacts, while also leveraging the positive aspects such as opportunities for learning and connection, we can help ensure that our youth navigate the digital world safely and successfully. It’s our collective responsibility as parents, educators, and society as a whole to guide the youth of today in harnessing the potential of technology and the internet for their growth, well-being, and future success.

Also read:
How Screen Time Can Impact Teenage Mental Health

How Cyberbullying Affect Teen Mental Health

The post Why It’s Important to Assess the Digital World’s Influence on Youth first appeared on Help Your Teens.

One side comprises parents who would rather cut off the use of technology during a child’s earliest development stages, raising their young children as if gadgets and screen time didn’t exist. On the other end are parents who believe in the optimised use of technologies.

Such parents typically wish to harness technology’s potential for their children’s learning experiences, as the latter can adequately prepare kids for a future driven by tech like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

In a smart city like Singapore, technology solutions are leveraged in almost all aspects of life, including children’s education. But many kids from the age of one and up may be exceeding the recommended screen time set by governing bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Organizations like the WHO have warned parents about the consequences of excessive tech consumption among children, which include lack of sleep, depressive symptoms, and other interferences to a teen’s healthy development.

As a parent who wants the best for their children, the onus is on you to moderate your child’s exposure to technology in a way that’s appropriate to their age and level of development. One effective way to do so is to teach your child how to use their gadgets productively and responsibly.

The Benefits of Responsible Gadget Use

First, it’s important to recognise the positive aspects of technology in children’s lives. Responsible gadget use can foster curiosity in children, enhance their problem-solving skills, and encourage creative thinking. 

Even with cheap phones Singapore students can access the internet to help them with their homework and research requirements. In addition, educational apps and digital resources provide avenues for children to explore new concepts and ideas independently. If they use the power of technology responsibly, children can develop essential digital literacy skills that will serve them well in an increasingly digital world.

Building a Foundation for Responsible Gadget Use

That said, boundaries and guidelines for gadget use will serve as the cornerstones of responsible digital interaction. Parents should lead their families in creating a gadget usage plan that includes specific rules for meal times, study hours, bedtime, and other daily routines. Moreover, clear communication of expectations and consequences ensures that children understand the importance of responsible gadget use and follow the rules even when their parents aren’t watching.

Encouraging open communication between parents and kids is also pivotal when it comes to nurturing responsible gadget use. Parents should strive to foster an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences and concerns.

Family members should also engage in regular conversations about online safety, etiquette, and potential challenges. Addressing misconceptions and dispelling myths will help parents empower their children to make informed decisions and be proactive about watching out for their safety in the digital realm.

Below are some specific suggestions for parents to build a foundation for responsible gadget use within their families: 

1) Teach Kids about Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is a fundamental skill for the modern age. Help your child understand how to identify reliable sources of information and critically evaluate online content. For instance, you can teach them online research skills, like identifying sites you can trust for local and international news and other information.

2) Promote Cyberbullying Awareness

Next, raise awareness about cyberbullying. Discuss its implications, and provide guidance on recognizing and responding to such behavior. More importantly, instill in your child the value of being empathetic and kind online, making them responsible for respectful and supportive approaches in their digital interactions.

3) Emphasise the Importance of Privacy

Teach your child about the significance of safeguarding personal information online. Explain the risks associated with sharing sensitive details and guide them when setting privacy settings on various platforms. It’s critical for children to understand the importance of privacy so that they can protect themselves from online threats, even when you’re not there.

4) Lead by Example

Teens learn by observing and modelling the behaviour of the adults around them. Model responsible gadget use by adhering to the rules you’ve established. Your actions will speak volumes and influence your child’s approach to technology.

5) Set Screen Time Limits

Tailor screen time limits to your child’s age and developmental stage. While it’s essential to embrace technology’s benefits, you should also aim to strike a balance between screen time and other activities that foster physical, cognitive, and social development.

6) Promote Quality Content

Encourage your teen to engage with educational apps, games, and content that stimulate their learning and creativity. By promoting quality content, you’ll enhance your children’s interactions with their gadgets while minimising mindless scrolling.

7) Designate Gadget-Free Areas

Identify specific areas in your home where gadgets are not allowed, such as the dining room or bedrooms. These designated gadget-free zones will encourage rest from screen time and, in the case of the dining room, authentic family interactions and communication during meals. 

8) Establish Gadget-Free Moments

You can also establish specific routines for gadget-free moments, such as family meals and outings. Embrace the opportunity to engage with one another without distractions, thus strengthening your bond as a family. 

9) Encourage Your Kids to Pursue Offline Hobbies and Activities

In the pursuit of a well-rounded childhood, encourage your child to explore offline hobbies and activities that nurture their creativity, physical activity, and social interaction levels. From outdoor play to artistic pursuits, these diversified experiences beyond screens will enrich your child’s development.

10) Install and Use Parental Control Tools or Kid-Friendly Apps on Gadgets

Lastly, one practical way that you can monitor your child’s online activity is to install parental control apps or kid-friendly versions of popular apps. These tools can ensure that your children are in a safe online environment and consuming content that’s appropriate for their age. 

In a world saturated with technology, nurturing responsible gadget use among children is of paramount importance. Set clear rules, have an open line of communication, and more importantly, abide by the best practices you want your kids to follow. Through proactive engagement and consistent guidance, parents can help their children navigate the digital landscape with confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Also read:

The Impact of Cyberbullying on Teenage Mental Health

Why Teens Are Secretive About Their Online Lives

The post How to Teach Your Teen to Use Gadgets Responsibly first appeared on Help Your Teens.

This is a growing concern not only in families, but with educators and therapists. Excess screen-time has been linked to causing an increase in teen depression, anxiety, stress and even self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Did you know, approximately 95% of teens have their own smartphone and 88% have access to a computer at home? How can we prevent teen internet addiction after the train has already left the station?

Is your teen:

-Constantly checking their phone, always online?
-Get anxious when they don’t have their phone?
-Will become angry or even enraged if you remove their device?
-Are drifting from real life friends?
–Withdrawing from family?
–Isolating in their room for hours?
-Seem depressed, sad or stressed?

Managing your teen’s screen-time can be challenging but it’s also necessary in today’s digitally driven world. The fact is, technology is here to stay and we must teach our children to have a healthy relationship with technology including their social media platforms.

Why Early Prevention of Internet Addiction Is Necessary

When did you give your child their first device? There is a reason why top Silicon Valley executives are saying no to the smartphone until at least 14 for their children. In fact, there is a long list of reasons and parents need to know them.

Wait Until the 8th  invites you to learn more about why parents should consider waiting until their child is at least 14 years old before giving them a cell-phone.

Smartphones are addictive

New research shows dependence on your smartphone may produce some of the same addictive brain responses similar to alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. Smartphones are like slot machines in your children’s pocket constantly persuading them to crave more. The tech industry intentionally designs smartphone apps and social media for people to use for long periods of time because this is how they make their money.

Smartphones are an academic distraction

Elementary and middle school years establish the foundation for your child’s academic success. Children learn how to productively manage time, projects and homework. Introducing a constant distraction with a smartphone is paving a path for academic mediocrity.

The early results of a landmark study on brain development by the National Institute of Health show children who spent more than two hours a day looking at a screen got lower scores on thinking and language tests. Research from the University of Texas suggests the mere presence of your smartphone reduces cognitive capacity and test-taking brainpower. One study demonstrated that using smartphones in classrooms can even lower a student’s grade. Another study found that children who attend schools with smartphone bans did better on tests.

Smartphones impair sleep

Studies show that the use of smartphones and other portable devices with screens affects the quantity and quality of sleep in children and teens. Adolescents are likely restless because they anticipate receiving texts and social media messages from friends, which affects their nighttime routine.

Some children even wake up in the middle of the night to check texts or social media. Sleep disturbance in childhood is known to have adverse effects on health, including poor diet, obesity, weakened immune system, stunted growth, and mental health issues.

Smartphones increase the risk for anxiety and depression

Children are not emotionally equipped to navigate tricky social media waters at such an early age.  Viewing someone else’s highlight reel on social media often leads youth to think they are missing out or are not enough compared with their peers. Research shows that the more time someone uses social media the more likely they are to be depressed. A Harvard Business Review showed the more you use Facebook the worse you feel. Another report demonstrated that adolescents’ psychological well-being decreased the more hours a week they spent on screens.

In addition, when children overuse technology, the constant stimulation of the brain causes the hormone cortisol to rise. Too much cortisol can inhibit a child from feeling calm. The loss of tranquility can lead to serious anxiety disorders.

Suicide rates are on the rise especially for girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. For this age group, suicide rates have tripled over the past 15 years.

Read more reasons on why parents should wait to give their child a smartphone.

Tips to Curb Smartphone Addiction

It is no secret, parents are at their wit’s end while their teen (or tween) are hooked to their devices. We are now at a point where if a parent attempts to remove (or even threatens to remove) their phone, they risk a firestorm in their home. We’ve talked to parents that have experienced property damage (holes in walls), their child that will self-harm, become explosive, rage and more — when their smartphone is removed.

Here are some ways to try to take back control:

1. Smartphone contacts:   Cellphones are a privilege, not a right.

It’s never too late to create a smartphone and device contract with your teenager. Another example of a contract is a technology agreement, courtesy of Cyberwise. This contract and/or agreement outline the expectations of the parents, as well as the rules and responsibility of using their smartphone. With this the teens/kids have a clear understanding of the guidelines for using the phone and consequences when they break the rules.

2. Modeling smartphone behavior:  Do as I say, and as I do.

Many experts say it is not only about monitoring but more about mentoring – reality is, it’s more about parents MODELING smartphone behavior. These teen’s already have their heels dug in. Mom and dad need to start modeling good digital behavior. For example – if you are a parent that is constantly checking their text messages or on social media, what message is that sending your child? If you bring your phone to the table for mealtime time, what example does that set? When speaking to your friends, are you also glaring at your screen? Do you leave distasteful comments online, do you overshare on social media? Do you text and drive?

Studies has shown, you are your child’s biggest influence. It’s time for parents to rethink how they use their smartphones too.

3. Lights out – screens out.  Blackout.

It is time to purchase a lockbox or safe. A simple purchase that can literally change your teen’s life and help them develop healthy sleeping patterns again.

How many times have you awoken to your teen scrolling down their screens at 2am? 3am? It’s not enough anymore to simply say it’s 10pm time to turn-off your phone. Whatever time you have designated in your contract/agreement — is the time that phones are locked-up until morning. Having a good night’s rest not only will improve mental wellness, it will likely help your teen’s academic performance and overall mood.

Also read:

3 Causes of Teen Mental Health Issues

Reducing Your Teen’s Screen-Time

5 Benefits of Boarding Schools

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Is your teen struggling with internet addiction or smartphone addiction? Have you exhausted your local resources? Contact us to learn more about residential treatment and how can benefit your teenager.

The post How to Prevent Teen Internet Addiction first appeared on Help Your Teens.

The internet is evolving on a daily basis, wait, it’s actually changing minute by minute, and it can be a perfect excuse for parents to say — they simply can’t keep up!

What they are forgetting is, for parents, staying in touch with technology updates and your teen’s social behavior online — is now part of parenting today. In other words, you don’t have an option – your teen’s online life is a priority.

We often talk about how schools need to implement cyber-civics, and I couldn’t agree more. The gap lies with the parents.

Frequently I hear from schools and tech experts, one of the hardest things to do is getting parents involved – it’s a challenge motivating parents to attend workshops or conferences about digital parenting. Many schools will report that the turnout is typically low.

Sadly, it usually takes a small town making national news for unlikely events, or worse a headline like that of the young teen that took her life in front of her family – to give parents a moment of pause. However, it’s all too soon before that pause becomes just another day. Most parents believe these things could never happen to them – or their community.

In a Common Sense Census, Plugged In Parents of Tweens and Teens, it uncovered that parents spend an average of nine hours with social media daily and the vast amount of that time is spent with personal screen media. Interestingly seventy-eight percent of the parents surveyed believe they are good technology role models for their children. Are they?

Do parents need to be reminded of social etiquette?

Like our kids, grown-ups seems to be digitally connected the majority of a day too. We want our children to be involved in digital literacy classes, yet who are we learning from?

• Are you disconnecting when talking to your friends?
• Are you minding your cyber-manners when leaving comments on social media?
• Are you asking permission before posting pictures of friends or relatives?
• Are you unplugging during mealtime?
• Are you texting and driving?

Getting interested in your teen’s online life

For most parents, they are overwhelmed with all these new apps, live streaming, sites and technology that seem to have no boundaries – and definitely never ending. It’s time for parents to jump on board – there may never be a day you will master every app or how to Snap, Tweet or even TicTok, however you must be a parent that is interested in learning about all of it. Why? Because your teens are.

You’re never too old to learn, even when it comes to technology.

L – Listen to your teens. You may be plugged into your own device, but you must detach from your cyber-place long enough to hear about where the teens are trending online. There are many places virtually that adults (especially parents) could be unaware of. This is not about being nosey, it’s about being a parent. Are they talking about people they are meeting in chatrooms you are not familiar with? Ask about it – safety always trumps privacy. 

E – Engage in conversations with your teens about social media sites – online. Yes, go online with your teen and have them explain firsthand how to use apps you may fear or want to learn more about. This is about learning what apps your teen is using too and how they use them. They don’t have to be long conversations, short chats can be more helpful than longer ones. Your teen may actually keep the conversation going longer since it’s a topic they are excited about.

A – Actively learn about new cyber-security measures to share with your family. For example how Instagram updated their features by adding a resource to flag posts that are potentially offensive. As many parents realize, when it comes to harmful and hateful content online, teenagers may not always be forthright in sharing these negative experiences. Be sure they are familiar with how to report and block digital harassment on all their social platforms.

R – Reach-out to other parents, relatives and friends. Share and learn from each other about cyber safety, apps and discuss what their teens are doing online. Chances are good – your teen is also using the same sites. With the rise in online drug sales, know the warning signs, talk to each other. Never assume bad things can’t happen to good people. 

N – Never stop being interested. Think of it like your teen’s sports or dance team. I know most parents wouldn’t miss these events – and they change their schedules to make them happen. With teenagers, their online social life as become priority for many of them — which means parents need to be aware of what they are doing in these virtual playgrounds, who they are hanging with — and be curious (interested) in their online life as you would their offline one.

How will you get started in learning about your teen’s online life?

Read: How to Give Your Teen Tools to Prevent Cyberbullying.

Read: The Impact of Cybebullying On Teenager Mental Health.

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Is your teen addicted to gaming? Attached to their devices and social media? Are you struggling to get the involved offline? Have you exhausted your local resources — learn more about the benefits of residential treatment for teen help and your family. Contact us for a free consultation.

Image provided by Pexels.

The post How to Learn About Your Teen’s Online Life first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Teenagers these days are spending more time than ever before interacting with screens. Whether this is through their laptops, mobile phones, or tablets, much of their free time is spent in cyberspace, something that may be concerning for some parents.

Spending time engaged with a screen is not necessarily a bad thing, although most people will agree that there is definitely a point where it becomes too much. On top of this, most parents these days understand that interacting with social media is a part of modern life and is not necessarily a bad thing. That being said, parents still want their children to maintain a healthy relationship with screens and electronic devices. 

Set Some Limitations On Screen Time: Whether it be school, socializing, or extracurricular activities, teenagers spend a fair amount of time out of the house as it is. Still, parents can put a time limitation on their teens when they are at home.

Encourage Sports: An excellent way to get kids to put down mobile devices is to have them engaged in some form of sporting activity. Not only will this result in significantly less screen time, but sports have been known to be a healthy undertaking, both physically and socially, for some time.

Set A No Mobile Device Policy During Dinner: Several studies have shown that children who spend time eating dinner with their family tend to develop more positive social and family relationships as adults. However, if they are spending the majority of their time on their phones, then this shared dinner time will not have much of an impact on them. Parents should try and clarify that dinner time is for talking, sharing, and listening and is meant to keep family members updated on what’s going on in one another’s lives.

Encourage Socializing With Friends: Adolescent psychologists are noticing a trend amongst teens in which they have begun to socialize less and less in-person and more and more online. “Online socialization isn’t an issue, but can become one if it begins to take away from their face-to-face time with their friends,” writes Jeremy Bute, a journalist at Writemyx.com and 1day2write.com.

Turn Off WiFi At Night: If your child relies primarily on WiFi to use their mobile devices, it may be worth shutting the WiFi off at night time. Although this may work for some people, it may not be appropriate for other families, especially if the child has their own data plan.

Be A Role Model: It’s not just teens who are guilty of spending long periods of time on their mobile devices, adults are as well.

“Many people have jobs that require them to be ready to answer a call, message, or email at any moment. Sometimes, these responsibilities may cause them to spend hours on their phone or computer, something which may signal to teens that it’s ok or normal behavior,” writes Henry Stan, a health writer at Britstudent.com.

Hold Family Activity Times: Less and less families are putting time aside to enjoy one another’s company. In most cases, the only time families spend together is during dinner time, and even that is becoming less and less frequent. One of the best ways to increase communication between family members is by creating designated family activity times.

The activities can be spent outdoors hiking, kayaking, and biking or indoors playing board games. Regardless of what is chosen, it is recommended that these activities be designated a no mobile device time, which will help people stay more engaged and connected and will also give teens a break from their screens. Some parents have had success with stubborn teens by bringing them on hikes or outdoor adventures where cell phone signal is sparse or not available at all.

Don’t Replenish Data If They Go Over: If there is one new argument that has risen over the last decade between teens and parents it’s over data. Teens often feel like they don’t have enough, and parents are tired of their children using it all up before the month is over.

In many cases, parents end up topping up their kids data, which doesn’t teach them to conserve and encourages an unhealthy relationship with their mobile devices. If your child is constantly using more data than they have, consider being firm and telling them they don’t get anymore until the next cycle begins.

Also read:

Why removing your teens’ devices isn’t always the answer

How Much Is Too Much Screen Time?

How Cyberbullying Effects Teenage Mental Health

5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools

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Are you considering a therapeutic boarding school for your tech troubled teen? Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about finding the right therapeutic boarding school for your teen.

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Contributor: George J. Newton

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s internet addiction and have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Developing Healthy Screen Time Habits first appeared on Help Your Teens.

By Ana Homayoun

Over the past decade, the new language created by social media and technology have ostensibly widened the communication divide between generations. Though students have long managed to find distractions, today’s technology innovations present new challenges for students and adults, and many adults struggle to keep up with what their kids are doing online.

With a proactive, practical approach based on over fifteen years of working with students in private practice and in schools, Ana provides simple, implementable solutions focused around the three main tenets of socialization, self-regulation and safety.

In the face of our “always on” culture, Social Media Wellness: Helping Tweens and Teens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World creates a new conversation around social media wellness — one that encourages tweens and teens to think about their own personal values and daily choices, while emphasizing the importance of parental attitude and a collaborative approach in helping all of us build healthier online habits and create more balanced lives.

Solutions for navigating an ever-changing social media world

Today’s students face a challenging paradox: the digital tools they need to complete their work are often the source of their biggest distractions. Students can quickly become overwhelmed trying to manage the daily confluence of online interactions with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and family life. Written by noted author and educator Ana Homayoun, Social Media Wellness is the first book to successfully decode the new language of social media for parents and educators and provide pragmatic solutions to help students:

• Manage distractions
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• Decrease stress and build empathy

With fresh insights and a solutions-oriented perspective, this crucial guide will help parents, educators and students work together to promote healthy socialization, effective self-regulation, and overall safety and wellness.

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s social media addiction and you have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen develop a healthy relationship with technology. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Social Media Wellness first appeared on Help Your Teens.

By Richard Guerry

This information will help to protect you and your family from making life and legacy altering mistakes online or with any digital technology.

Students, Parents and Teachers across the Globe are using this book to learn and reinforce a powerful and effective method for reducing:

• Cyberbullying
• Sexting
• Sextortion
• Sextcasting
• Poor Social Media behavior
• and many other cyber issues many are not yet aware of!

Public and Permanent® is a life changing philosophical guide providing the knowledge that all users of digital technology must know as citizens of a rapidly evolving digital village.

In today’s world where teen’s are quick to post and think later, they could be risking a college scholarship or being passed over by a potential employer – never doubt your online reputation will dictate your future.

More and more college admissions are using social media to review their applicants prior accepting them and a recent CareerBuilders survey revealed that 70 percent of employers will not interview a candidate if they find unflattering social feeds. Today you are considered an extension of their brand – both online and off.

What goes online — stays online. It is Public and Permanent®. This is must have book for parents, teens, educators and a perfect gift!

Visit www.iroc2.com for more information on the author’s extensive speaking engagements – he may be coming to a school near you! If you don’t see your school listed, contact them and schedule him soon! It’s an excellent and educational conference that both adults and students are raving about!

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s behavior and you have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Public and Permanent first appeared on Help Your Teens.