A new study
suggests that social media sites have created a new phenomenon known as "Facebook
depression". The American Academy of Paediatrics recently warned parents about the
possible dangers of networking websites on their children’s mental health.
Report co-author Gwenn O’Keefe described the way social interaction is changing: "For some
teens and tweens, social media is the primary way they interact socially, rather than at the mall or a
friend's house," she said. Ms O'Keeffe added: "A large part of this generation's
social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cellphones. Parents need to
understand these technologies so they can relate to their children's online world, and
comfortably parent in
that world."
The report says it
is essential for
parents to be aware of how social media sites can affect children and that the
Internet is not always a healthy
environment for kids. The writers also urged parents to be on the lookout for cyberbullying, sexting and
online predators. They recommended parents take an active role and discuss things like bullying,
privacy and feeling down because of what’s happening on Facebook. A recent poll stated that 22 per cent
of teenagers log on to a social media site more than 10 times a day and more
than half at least once a day. There are conflicting reports as to whether Facebook helps
youngsters, by allowing them to express themselves, or isolates them from society.
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