What Does the Surgeon General's Report Mean for You?

Social Media Usage Has the Power to Impact Your Family

The U.S. Surgeon General’s newly released report outlines potential harmful effects of social media usage for teens and children. They found that many adolescents are being exposed to content that is violent or hate-based, or promotes self-harm, suicide, poor body image, or disordered eating. The report also outlines how excessive social media use can have negative consequences for young users. It can contribute to sleep disruptions, depression, and even create an addiction to certain apps.

What You Can Do to Encourage Healthy Social Media Usage in Your Home

Fostering balanced social media habits is important, but where do you begin?

  1. Evaluate your own relationship with social media and technology. Consider the content you’re consuming and the amount of time you spend online. What could you improve? Leading by example can demonstrate responsible digital media habits.

  2. Open the lines of communication. Discuss the benefits and dangers of social media with your child in an age-appropriate way. Create a safe space for family members to express their feelings and concerns.

  3. Encourage offline activities. Take interest in what your children enjoy - from sports to outdoor activities to creative hobbies. Provide resources and time for them to participate in these pastimes.

  4. Create boundaries around social media use. Designate certain areas or times in your home as tech-free zones, where social media usage is not allowed. For example, dinner time could be a phone-free opportunity to reconnect as a family.

Support Designed for Your Needs

At Counseling Col:lab, our focus is mental health for families like yours. We understand that this news is concerning, especially when your children are still mentally developing and growing. Our therapists are here to support you in building habits and boundaries that work for parents and children. To let us know how we can best help you, complete the brief 2-minute survey below. Your contact information will only be used to contact you regarding support services when we begin enrollment.