IT’S REALLY APPENING –

June 21, 2023 – “These apps are designed to support dependency, and a young person’s natural tendency to ‘compare and despair,’” he said. “Prolonged social media use is opening the door for psychological distress for an already vulnerable segment of our population.”

He added, “It’s akin to throwing fuel on a fire.”

While Sultán agreed that social media poses serious risks for kids, he said the real problem is that it’s undermining the protective factors that help to prevent depression, such as fostering close relationships, spending time outdoors and participating in physical activity.

Kids also need to have stability at home to boost their mental health, said Ginder.

Proper nutrition, opportunities for positive social interaction and quality sleep routines are also important, he said.

“Ultimately, social media is not going anywhere,” Sultán noted. “I don’t think it’s realistic to make it go away, but we should push for limitations on it for kids and teens.”

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