When Pediatrics identifies a health issue it's noteworthy. March's "The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents and Families" explores emotional health concerns with texting, sexting and Twitter. "Facebook Depression" is the colloquial term.
That sexting is a huge health and safety concern for parents is obvious. Sexting involves sending a receiving text messages of a sexual nature. Sexting also includes sharing photos in nude, partially nude or seductive poses. Sexting can involve cyberstalking, cyberbullying, digital sex and phone sex. Here are professional resources for parents to help children and teens understand the dangers of sexting.
Sexting and cyberbullying presents clear dangers. But what about this social media and Facebook depression? How can benign chatting on cellphones and social websites be hurtful to children and teens? The Pediatrics (Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics) outlines many issues: privacy issues, age-appropriate behavior, risks of mixed age social interaction, advertising dangers and digital footprint (whatever is put online stays online).
As a special needs teacher, psychology major and parent, my biggest concerns with Facebook, Twitter, texting and social media is its competitive nature. Children and teens pride themselves on friend status, often seeking out and accepting friend request from people they don't know just to boost the friend count.
I've known less popular children, especially boys, to photograph themselves without a shirt on to attract who knows what. Healthy adults find these images pathetic; unhealthy adults and predators find them a source for mocking and sexual attraction. Age-mates may use social websites to tease and humiliate each other.
My daughter has a Facebook and a cellphone with texting which she received as a birthday present from a relative. She has a limit on how much "screen time" (cellphone and Internet inclusive) she is allowed. She can only be friends with age-mates from school and approved family friends. We encourage her to express concerns, share her social networking experiences and self-monitor. I also limit my own Facebook interaction and keep it healthy. Modeling appropriate behavior is always the best way to teach healthy decision making. Here Facebook Depression resources.
DSM-IV (DSM-V due to be released in 2013 may include a separate section on social media depression.)
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22-plus years parenting four children and 25-plus years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education, life skills, communication, psychology and homeschool. She writes about parenting concerns for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.
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