Focus on Social Media and Teens

  

In continuation of last month’s theme of healthy technology use, I am sharing some additional information focusing on social media. 

 

This article discusses some of the concerns about social media use and teens: https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/social-media-children-teens?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=apa-research&utm_content=youth-social-media 

 

Social media can be very damaging to a child or teen’s well-being. Anxiety about checking likes/comments/post engagement, spreading of rumors, bullying, inappropriate content, ads, sharing of photos and conversations with unintended persons, etc. are hurtful and harmful. Ask a teenager how they feel about having social media and see their perspective on how it impacts their life. Please also remember, parental supervision of all online activity is necessary. Help your child to develop good habits with online activity. Review online safety information, remind them everything is treated as public and permanent, and consider delaying access to social media for as long as possible. Your child will really appreciate this down the road! 

 

I hope you find this information useful. 

Healthy Technology Use

 As families are preparing for the start of a new school year and peer pressure about getting a cell phone and playing video games may intensify, it is important to remember the importance of balancing technology use. 

 

Here are some other helpful considerations from the American Academy of Pediatrics: 

Healthy Digital Media Use & First Phone Readiness 

https://contentsharing.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?ep=Wda7dLHy7d2HDwFVFCwnDZkPXcaibH1TccV9QrRk6INavsI4EiFgVMXYLe3INhHndR5BfzlAvOr_c87pU24GpXQrQXplb3F5nNAgWaFzz31FuBvP2f0HdB3wE-NBba3BkNQmHskUHm7S6BXC16bECg~~ 

 

 

And some suggestions regarding the benefits of letting your mind wander without using your phone:

 

Instead of Pulling Out Your Phone, Let Your Mind Wander https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/instead_of_pulling_out_your_phone_let_your_mind_wander#.YwZVRmcOEtk.twitter 

New Crisis Resource

Happy Summertime! 

There are some important and helpful updates with accessing emergency services that I want to share with you. 

You may have heard that there is a new simple phone number (988) to use to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Here is a resource about this change: https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/ 

Here is the new information. Please save it for your records and share widely: 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

https://988lifeline.org/ 

24-hour hotline: 988 

 

There are additional resources available for individuals in crisis: 

Response Crisis Hotline 

24-hour hotline: 631-751-7500 

https://www.responsecrisiscenter.org/ 

 

Long Island Against Domestic Violence 

24-hour hotline: 631-666-8833 

https://liadv.org/ 

 

Please do use these free resources and share them with your friends and family. You will be making a positive difference in your life or the life of someone else (and may be saving a life)! 

Ten Years!

 Ten years ago this month, I opened my private practice. Ten years!! In reflecting on this milestone, I am humbled by the opportunity to walk alongside children, adolescents, adults, and families in their struggles, successes, and life experiences.  

For those of you who have trusted me to support you in your life, thank you. I honor and respect this responsibility. 

During these 10 years, I have had 4 different office locations, traveled to client’s homes, and transitioned to a fully online practice. My goal has been to connect with someone where they are- geographically, emotionally, and financially, and help them get to where they want to be. Each change during these past 10 years has reflected this value.  

Personally, these 10 years have brought amazing change too.  My husband and I purchased our first home and I became a mother to two wonderful, happy, and wild boys. 

What has changed in the last 10 years for you? I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring! 

Healthy Screen Use for Families

  

 

Many families have been struggling with managing screen time in their homes. It is important to consider several factors regarding the use of technology in your home. I have shared some resources below to help make decisions. 

 

 

Your Child’s First Phone: Are They Ready? (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Cell-Phones-Whats-the-Right-Age-to-Start.aspx 

 

Kids & Tech: Tips for Parents in the Digital Age (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Tips-for-Parents-Digital-Age.aspx 

 

How can I help my child avoid eye and back strain from being on the computer? (American Academy of Pediatrics) 

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/avoid-eye-and-back-strain-from-the-computer.aspx?_ga=2.85105049.1699780078.1652216809-1568848915.1651001146&_gl=1*jybs79*_ga*MTU2ODg0ODkxNS4xNjUxMDAxMTQ2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY1MjIxNjgwOS40LjAuMTY1MjIxNjgwOS4w 

 

My colleague and local psychologist, Dr. Anzalone, featured in the ABC special "Protect Our Children: Mental and Physical Stress" talking about the impact of screen time on kids and teens (last segment):  

https://abc7ny.com/protect-our-children-abc7ny-wabc-tv-special/11769066/ 

 

Glow Kids Tech Addiction Research 

http://www.drkardaras.com/research.html 

 

Resources from: InfoaboutKids.org Developed by APA Divisions 

https://infoaboutkids.org/relationships/screen-time/