Page 37 - Intra Muros November 2023 Issue

TODAY’S CHILD

Banning social media is not realistic.
Social media can be beneficial in building
relationships, supporting causes and
joining movements. Not only can teens
use social media in their favour, but they
will also be increasingly expected to do so.

What parents can do
The role of the parents becomes one
of education, of teaching teens not
to use social media less but to use it
purposefully. Online education and
guidance, provided through constant requires. Teens are under age; therefore, Where to from here?
conversation, is needed. you as a parent are legally responsible for Parents and educators may take the stance that
what goes on on their phones. But more the solution is simply not to use it. But if it is
Here are some suggestions for how parents importantly, remember that they are not not Instagram, it will be something else. Social
can navigate this: experienced in the world yet. They need media is not going anywhere – in fact, it is
1. Set the standard assistance and guidance to grow into kind, advancing daily.
Unlike rules, which restrict negative accountable and responsible people.
behaviours, set standards that encourage 4. Discuss the do’s of social media, not only The solution lies in building resilience and
positive behaviours. Setting standards the don’ts self-esteem. If teens are feeling good about
takes practice, and when a family agrees It is more useful to discuss a post that themselves, they will not compare so strongly or
to live by the same standards, they represents your character and values take things so personally.
keep each other accountable. Lead by versus sounding the warning, “don’t post
example by having an Instagram account something that will embarrass you”. I say Social media may make us forget how good real
with no nasty comments, and do not this because at the time of posting, the teen life actually is because it perpetuates what we do
follow any inappropriate people or sites. did not think their post was embarrassing not have, how we do not look, the holidays we do
2. Take screen time or they would not have posted it in the first not take. We need to pause, get some perspective
Behaviour is learned. Teens will not place. Discuss how they can positively use and remind our teens, and perhaps ourselves too,
behave inappropriately if they are not Instagram to their benefit. that living in the tangible, real world is great!
exposed to inappropriate content.
Therefore, see what they are accessing
and for how long. Even if your family
does not have linked phones, there
is nothing preventing you as a parent
from instituting a rule that all phones
get handed over at a particular time and
to a particular place every night. Teens
should not have their phones accessible
to them throughout the night. Sleep,
academics and social relationships will o Marital, Couples & Family Therapy
suffer. o Counselling Children, Adolescents & Adults
3. Passwords and access
This one is tricky because I personally o “Teen” Challenges
believe teens need limited privacy. Ideally, o Behavioural & Adjustment Challenges
your teen should not have passwords
you do not know or deny you access o Stress-Related Challenges
from their phones. As a parent, it would o Adjustment to Depression & Anxiety
be wise to check all their social platforms
periodically. The best approach, which o Subject & Career Psychometric Testing
is certainly not foolproof, is perhaps to
discuss the concept of limited privacy. For an appointment please call
This means that as a parent, you may 083 376 1995
request access to your teen’s phone. Fees are charged according to Scale of Benefits
The degree of privacy you afford your
teen should perhaps be aligned with the Practice Address: 27 Fish Eagle Street, Silver lakes, Pretoria
degree of worrisome behaviour and the Pr. Nr. 0860000114022 | Reg. No.: PS 0080543
level of guidance your individual teen

INTRAMUROS NOVEMBER 2023 | 35