Social Media Use
Just like you, your children and teens use mobile devices to stay connected with friends, play games, and browse the internet. However, excessive social media use can impact your child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. If you’re worried about your child’s social media habits, Dr. Zeshan, a compassionate and experienced child and adult psychiatrist, is here to help. At Inside Out in Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Z offers parents the resources and tools needed to manage their child’s social media use. For support and guidance, please call our office or schedule an appointment online today.
Social Media Use Q + A
How does social media use affect children and teens?
Children and teens are spending more and more time online, watching videos, playing video games, and chatting with friends.
Current research indicates that excessive or compulsive social media use by children and teens leads to:
- Poor school performance
- Family conflict
- Emotional and psychological issues
- Relationship problems
There are many terms used to describe these problems, such as internet addiction or gaming disorder, but medically it’s called Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU)
What are the signs of excessive social media use?
Knowing the signs of excessive social media use may help you take the steps needed to limit screen time and prevent adverse health effects.
Common symptoms of PIMU include:
- Child or teen spends hours on end on their device
- Using social media as the primary method of connecting with others
- Excessive use of pornography
- Spending hours online surfing websites for information
- Binge-watching videos in place of activities
Though fixation on social media is the primary symptom of PIMU, other signs that indicate a serious problem include poor personal hygiene, disinterest in socialization, or declining school grades and performance.
If your child is exhibiting symptoms of PIMU, contact Inside Out and schedule a consultation with Dr. Z.
What can I expect during a social media use consultation?
You can expect a comprehensive evaluation at Inside Out.
Most children and teens don’t consider their social media use a problem, so it’s important that you explain why you scheduled an appointment with Dr. Zeshan before the consultation. They might have concerns that you or Dr. Z may take away their device.
However, the purpose of the consultation is to evaluate your child’s social media use and determine if or how it’s affecting their health and well-being.
How can I help my child’s excessive social media use?
After your consultation, Dr. Zeshan develops a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your child’s social media use and prevent damage to your child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Treatment may include:
- Time limits on social media use
- Removing devices from your child’s room
- Limiting your own social media use
- Recognizing problematic behaviors
Dr. Z works closely with you and your child to implement the plan and provides helpful resources to help you and your child.
If you have concerns about your child’s social media use, call Inside Out or book an appointment online today.
