Digital Smarts - Uptick in Social Media Use Concerns Parents

Parents are concerned about an uptick in social media use among children during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey done in the Spring of 2020 by Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. More than half of the 2,900 parents surveyed said they think social media negatively affects children, for reasons inclusing bullying, hate speech and being too sexual in nature. Claire Coyne, a pediatric psychologist at the hospital, says that in spite of these concerns, social media use does teach teens how to self- regulate. Coyne reminds parents to keep the conversation going and monitor your teen’s mood. She says this is critical in helping kids develop good habits and safety when it comes to social media.