Teenage Self-Esteem vs. Social Media What to Know and How to Spend Time Elsewhere
The Proven Risk Factors Social media affects everyone a little differently. For teens, thankfully, there are some studies about these differences. Beyond simply the number of hours spent on social media, there are other ways that researchers have noticed the negative impact of social media on teens. A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use, and emotional investment in social media (such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on) were linked to worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression. It even matters how your teen is using social media. Is your teen interacting or only looking? A 2015 study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media were linked to depressive symptoms. Additionally, a 2013 study showed that older adolescents who used social
media passively, such as simply looking at pictures, reported declines in life satisfaction. In contrast, participants who used social media to interact with others and post their own content didn’t experience these declines. The Alternatives Instead of staring at a screen, encourage your teens to spend time face-to-face with their classmates and friends; that’s especially important for teens who are vulnerable to social anxiety. Remind your teen that certain behaviors aren’t okay on social media: gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying, or damaging someone’s reputation (online or otherwise). Even if these activities can seem harmless at first, they are extremely damaging and hurtful to the people involved. Face-to-face contact is one of the most promising ways to deflect the negative aspects of social media. Don’t miss a chance to give your teen the one-on- one time that they may need.
According to Mayo Clinic, nearly 97% of kids aged 13–17 years old use social media, whether it’s YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another platform. Although these platforms come with major benefits — such as staying in touch with distant family and friends — it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your teen’s social media usage. Research shows that using social media more than three hours a day can increase risk of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Here’s why — or at least, a few expert theories.
BE TAKEN LIGHTLY Know the Signs
CONCUSSIONS SHOULDN’T
Concussions have become an epidemic in the U.S., with millions of traumatic brain injuries happening each year. From playing sports and car accidents to direct hits to the head, these bumps or blows can cause problems that may lead to serious issues down the road. What Happens to Your Brain Following a Concussion Though our brains are protected by the skull and shock-absorbing spinal fluid, a major blow to the head can cause the brain to bounce around inside the skull. In other cases, cells and nerves can be stretched or twisted, which damages the tissue that protects the brain. These damages can cause the neurons to stop communicating with each other and cause the victim to have difficulty thinking, moving, or even talking. Signs of a Concussion The signs and symptoms of a concussion may not show up immediately, and they can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Common symptoms of a concussion include the following: • Headaches or dizziness • Nausea/vomiting • Fatigue or drowsiness • Vision or hearing disturbances • Sensitivity to noise or light • Difficulty concentrating
signs so you can promptly seek medical attention, if need be. If left untreated, a concussion can lead to many long- term complications. These include chronic headaches, memory loss, vertigo, and post- concussion syndrome, which are headaches, mood swings, and brain fogs that can last for months or even years. Though mild concussions may heal on their own, serious ones can cause permanent brain damage.
Some more serious signs include: •
One pupil is larger than the other
• •
Inability to wake up
Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination Loss of consciousness, even for a brief moment
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If the symptoms are serious, seek emergency care as soon as possible.
•
Convulsions or seizures
It’s important to know the signs and dangers of concussions to raise awareness and support for those who are suffering from the effects. If you have suffered brain trauma, whether mild or severe, reach out to one of our experienced Finney Injury Law attorneys at (314) 293-4222 so we can be your advocate.
Depending on the severity of the blow to the head, even the smallest sign should be taken seriously.
The Danger of Missing Concussion Warnings As mentioned before, signs and
symptoms may not occur immediately. So, it’s important to be aware of the
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