More than one-third of teens reported using social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and YouTube "almost constantly" in 2022. And while many platforms set a minimum age of 13 to sign up, nearly 40% of 8- to 12-years-olds say they have used social media.
Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted concerns about how all this social media use affects kids' mental health. Pediatricians Megan Moreno, MD, FAAP, and Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, say it depends on how they use it. Read their tips to help guide your children toward healthy social media habits.
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Whether your kids want to see that summer blockbuster movie, watch the latest TV series or play a new video game, it can be hard to know if it's appropriate for their age. Pediatrician Cori Cross, MD, FAAP, explains the parental guidance media ratings lingo and how to make informed media choices for your family. Go to article.
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 | Summer Screen-Time Swaps
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Worried about your kids falling into the summer break "tech trap" and spending too much time on screens? Think about what aspects of media use they enjoy most, and find real-world ways to experience them. If your kids are drawn to action-packed video games with clear winners, for example, they likely crave competition and the thrill of gameplay. They are also probably interested in mastering strategies and techniques to improve their performance.
Try these screen-free ways to play: Brainstorm activities that spark competitive spirit but won't make children fall to pieces if they lose! Kids can generally handle card games, timed obstacle courses, sock battles (best done with clean laundry) and age-appropriate board games, especially those involving strategy.
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