No ifs, ands, or buts: Any safe phone for kids should be free of social media apps.
Social media is toxic for kids.
No ifs, ands, or buts: Any safe phone for kids should be free of social media apps.
Social media is toxic for kids. A review of more than 20 scientific studies determined that teen social media usage is associated with body image issues, suicide, and addiction.
Even if your kid avoids the worst consequences of social media use, they’ll have wasted hours better spent elsewhere. Wouldn’t you rather your son or daughter explore hobbies or build real-world relationships?
Unfortunately, no platform is safe. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, kids don’t understand that they’re seeing idealized versions of others, not their real selves. And given how much trouble adults have identifying fake or propagandizing accounts, kids certainly can’t.
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A review of more than 20 scientific studies determined that teen social media usage is associated with body image issues, suicide, and addiction.Read More
Even if your kid avoids the worst consequences of social media use, they’ll have wasted hours better spent elsewhere. Wouldn’t you rather your son or daughter explore hobbies or build real-world relationships?
Unfortunately, no platform is safe. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, kids don’t understand that they’re seeing idealized versions of others, not their real selves. And given how much trouble adults have identifying fake or propagandizing accounts, kids certainly can’t.
Children don’t respond well to grilling. If you come in swinging, your child may clam up.
Here, phrasing is key. Instead of saying “Tell me who you’re texting,” ask if they’ve heard from their best friend recently.
No safe phone for kids is safe without parental involvement. Communicate informally and frequently about your child’s usage habits.