Helping familes to be smart, secure and civil online
Too much time using apps like Snapchat and Instagram could be having a negative impact on girls’ mental health. Read more in this month’s BayState Parent CyberSavvy Mom column.
*Image by Steinar Engeland
Anxiety among kids is on the upswing – and is now the leading mental health issue among children in America. Why? In this article on BayState Parent, some medical and neurological experts note that social media use is stressing kids out and giving them an unrealistic view of the world. Near-constant device use is causing mental health issues for many, and making it more difficult to escape the very factors that give them anxiety.
Do you think social media is contributing to negative feelings among kids? How much access do your children have to social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat? Leave me a comment and let’s chat!
Social media adds much to our lives: friend connections, socializing, funny memes, political arguments (OK, maybe not ALL of it is positive). But putting yourself out their on a social network also brings risk into your life. Criminals know how much we love to log on and be social, and these sites are common targets for cons. Falling for these schemes sets you up for a malware infection on your device, or even a financial loss if someone manages to fool you into sending them money.
Be on guard for the darker activity making the rounds on social media. Check out these social media scams currently making the rounds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other popular sites.
Facebook has launched an app that allows kids under 13 to message with other users their parents approve. Facebook still requires members to be 13 and older. The new app, called Messenger Kids, allows users under the age of 13 to send texts, videos and photos; they can draw on the pictures they send and add stickers.
More information in the following articles:
Facebook ‘Messenger Kids’ lets under-13s chat with whom parents approve
Cyber Savvy Mom 