While social media can help your kids connect and interact with friends and relatives, it comes with potential threats. Watch out for anxiety due to unrealistic comparison with others, privacy issues, social isolation, distraction, and indecent content exposure. That is why parents should talk to their children about safety on these platforms. Monitoring your son’s engagement on the internet can prevent him from uncomfortable encounters that can affect him mentally, emotionally, and psychologically.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery helps parents understand how to communicate with their sons about using online platforms safely. For more information about how to have this discussion, contact our team today at 866.300.5275.
Open Communication About Social Media Use
Open communication between you and your son about internet consumption can foster a positive response. Parents who manage to establish a connection with their kids make the youngsters feel safe when disclosing critical information concerning their online behavior. During the teenage years, children may experiment with boundaries and say things that might be shocking. You need to understand that they are in a critical stage of growth and development. Respect your son’s views as this allows him to communicate with you freely.
However, it would help if you initiate the necessary conversation and discussions with your teen regarding safe social media use. Let your son know that inappropriate internet use can impact overall health and well-being. Sometimes, teens may seem unconcerned about these conversations, but they are listening. An open talk creates a comfortable environment, enabling them to express their feelings without fear of punishment for their behaviors.
If you suspect your child is developing an addiction to social media use, consult treatment experts for proven services, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Psychological testing
- Equine therapy program
- Trauma treatment program
- Co-occurring issues treatment
Avoid Being a Helicopter Parent
All parents want their kids to understand the importance of safe internet use to prevent gaming and smartphone addiction issues. However, constant monitoring of your son’s behaviors may cause him to hide his online activities. The best way to handle such a situation is by having an honest conversation about his technology engagement.
Parents can educate their children about sharing private details online and how this can affect them. Allowing your son freedom fosters trust and empowers him to make appropriate decisions without relying on you all the time.
Being a helicopter parent worsens teen-related challenges because the adolescents feel like their parents are suffocating them.
Recognize Signs of Pending Problems
Parents can put effort into ensuring their children are safe while using social media, but troubles may still arise. Regardless of what you think about your teen’s internet behaviors, pay attention to signs of trouble, such as mood swings, emotional outbursts, social isolation, reduced interest in hobbies, and irritability.
The warning signs that may indicate an issue include:
- Display of emotional responses when online
- Loss of interest in social activities and interaction with friends
- Creation of separate social network accounts
- Secretive behavior when it comes to internet use
- Self-harm
Set Up Protection Filters
Parental control filters may help you limit the exposure of harmful content to your teen. You can use this feature to monitor your son’s online activities and know when there are red flags. If you want to respect your child’s privacy, find an app that can watch danger without spying on the teen.
Some apps are vital in letting you discover potential internet risks without interfering with your child’s privacy. It may be critical to learn how to set up these apps, devices, and programs for your loved one.
Furthermore, securing devices like smartphones can prevent hackers and risky activities, ensuring safe social media use.
Get Professional Help at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Parents need to do their best to ensure their kids do not experience cyberbullying, digital self-harm, and exposure to harmful social media content. When these issues occur to teens, they can suffer emotional, mental, and psychological disorders. Our rehab experts can help your son to overcome these problems. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 for professional assistance from our therapist.
