What are kids really doing online? What are the dangers of social media? How do you find a happy balance? If you are a parent, you have most likely asked yourself these questions. Technology and social media are a part of our daily lives, and if you have school aged children it can be scary part of your daily life. Cyber security threats, cyber bullying, inappropriate content, too much screen time, outside influences, and child predators are all issues that can raise anxiety when it comes to the digital world that we live in.

Medical News Today reported in 2020 that overuse of social media and mobile devices may lead to psychological and physical issues, such as eyestrain and difficulty focusing on important tasks. Overuse of technology can also contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression. This overuse may have more of an impact on the developing minds children and teenagers.

Along with eyestrain, the physical impact of overusing technology can also include poor posture, sleep problems, and a decrease in physical activity. Psychologically the overuse of technology and social media can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

When it comes to children, whose brains are still developing, they may be more sensitive to the effects of technology and its overuse than adult brains. Children who overuse technology could be more likely to experience issues with academic performance, shorter attention spans, lower creativity levels, delays in language development, delays in social and emotional development, a lack of physical activity, poor sleep quality, aggressive behaviors, higher BMI’s, and even experience addiction to technology.

Children are growing up in a digital world and it is important for them to learn healthy habits for using technology and the responsibility that comes with using social media. Parents and guardians play an important role in teaching these skills to children.

A few tips for parents and guardians from the American Academy of Pediatrics include:

• Making your own family media use plan
• Treating media as you would any other environment in your child’s life
• Setting limits and encouraging playtime
• Screen time should not always be alone time
• Being a good role model for your children
• Knowing and teaching the value of face-to-face communication
• Creating tech-free zones
• Stop using technology as an emotional pacifier
• Doing your homework when it comes to apps for your kids
• Warning children about the importance of privacy, and teaching children about the dangers of predators and sexting

Baldwin County Public Schools and the Baldwin County Education Coalition are presenting a FREE seminar titled ‘Parents’ Survival Guide to a World Saturated by Media’ on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Fairhope Middle School beginning at 5:00pm.

2021 Miss Alabama, Lauren Bradford, and National Education Consultant Social Media Expert, Kristi Bush will be speaking candidly about what kids are doing online, the dangers of social media, and how parents can play a role in finding a healthy balance.

Lauren is a 3-year Summa-Cum-Laude graduate of Auburn University and an incoming Graduate student at Vanderbilt University. Lauren began her own educational campaign UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan at the age of 15 to educate on the harmful impacts of tech overuse and share practical ways to balance consumption. As Miss Alabama, Lauren has traveled all over and educated thousands on her Social Impact Initiative. https://digitaldietplan.weebly.com

Kristi serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with more than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She will share about the benefits and threats associated with social media. http://www.KNBCommunications.com

Dinner will be provided to the first 150 attendees, and childcare will also be provided. While parents are listening to our speakers, students entering grades K-6th will be participating in fun STEAM activities directed by certified teachers. On top of all that– DOOR PRIZES will be given away at the end of the night!

Baldwin County Public Schools and the Baldwin County Education Coalition hope you will reserve your seat today and join us on Tuesday, July 19^th to learn more. RSVP for this FREE seminar at https://bit.ly/GRITCParents.

Sources:

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Negative effects of technology: Psychological, social, and health. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology

Kids & Tech: Tips for parents in the Digital age. HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Tips-for-Parents-Digital-Age.aspx