How social media impacts children’s mental health

With everything going on the world, some children may be seeing traumatic videos on social media.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – There is a lot going on in the world, and some children may be seeing traumatic videos on their social media, which could impact their mental health.

Tim Hron, a therapist at CHI Health, spoke to the press on Friday about the importance of keeping children informed while also protecting them from some of that information.

“We gotta stay hopeful,” he said. “That’s the thing we don’t want to lose is hope, and if that’s the case then we will start to see young people getting more depressed and anxious and not being able to function or perform in school or becoming more angry and irritable at home.”

One of the most important things a parent can do is help their child understand current events.  Hron also said it’s important for parents to give their children accurate information.

There are many ways to cope with social media-induced stress, including putting the phone down and spending time with family, according to Hron.  Giving back to the community by donating or volunteering could also help relieve stress.

“Attending to our own self-care, encouraging it is important, and as parents, role modeling that: taking screen breaks, putting down the phone, making time to connect and having conversations about things that are not stressful,” Hron said.

Parents know their children best.  If they notice their children acting out of the ordinary, then they should consider seeking mental health professionals, Hron said.

“Self-care and stay connected,” he said. “Don’t give up hope.”