Smarter T
Teenage Self- Esteem vs. Social Media
Hi, everyone. I’m Wick. My family named me after the Keanu Reeves character John Wick
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. WHAT TO KNOW AND HOW TO SPEND TIME ELSEWHERE
because I’m so tough. I’m a Karelian Bear Dog, and my breed is known for protecting humans from bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. If push comes to shove, it’s my job to fight for my boy, and I’m proud to do it! While I haven’t had to fight a bear yet, the chickens next door are another story. Unfortunately, the humans don’t seem to understand the threat they pose.
I’ve tried to eat them, but my parents just won’t let me! I’m still keeping my eye on that rooster, and I stay alert for other dangers. But I like to have fun, too! When my family adopted me last year, the breeders said I would be too aloof to fetch. Boy, were they wrong! I love to run around and play, especially when it’s cold. I put my face down in the
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.
snow and propel myself forward with my back legs. We call it “submarining.” I also love to follow my boy around the house and sleep in his bed.
Healthy Veggie Dog Treats Don’t let the veggies fool you — your dog will love these healthy treats! Inspired by DamnDelicious.net
Ingredients
The Alternatives
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1 cup pumpkin purée
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.
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1/4 cup peanut butter
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
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3 cups whole wheat flour, divided
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1 carrot, peeled and shredded
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1 zucchini, shredded
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1 cup baby spinach, chopped
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