6 tips for managing kids’ social media use over March break
The notion of spring break might evoke images of whooshing down a mountain at a ski resort or lounging on a sun-drenched beach in warmer climates. However, the reality is that such adventures are out of reach for many families with school-age children, as they stay home due to work commitments or financial pressures.
Enter unsupervised screen time, as kids (and their caregivers) seek to occupy hours of free time. While some of that scrolling might be educational or entertaining, evidence is emerging about the dangers of too much screen time, particularly on social media.
Sounding the alarm on the effects of social media
Health professionals are signaling concern about the impact of social media use on child and adolescent mental health. The Canadian Paediatric Society has declared “a youth mental health crisis that demands meaningful and conscientious mitigation measures.” Meanwhile, a recent CBC segment highlighted research showing that social media use can negatively affect behaviours, reduce focus and increase anxiety.
There’s also evidence that younger people are still struggling with pandemic-era declines in mental health. While a 2023 Canadian survey found overall improvement for adults in mental health, sense of community belonging and life satisfaction, young people aged 18 to 24 had the highest rates of depression and anxiety. Separately, the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey shows a higher prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders among young people in Canada, particularly in young women.
6 tips to help caregivers manage social media
Canada’s imminent March break presents an ideal opportunity to engage students and caregivers in conversations about meaningful but managed social media use. Here are six strategies to explore:
1. Discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries
Share common sense protocols to help caregivers understand how and why to establish guidelines for social media use. For example, encourage designated "screen-free" times and areas in the home, such as during meals and at bedtime.
2. Model healthy behaviour
As an instructor, kids are watching your moves, too. While lesson plans benefit from tech-forward solutions, consider how classroom instruction can incorporate regular breaks from screen time. Designate time in the day for focused reading, for example, or practicing social interaction through group brainstorming. Educators can work with their school community to ensure all children have ample time to visit the school library and refresh their reading materials before spring break.
3. Suggest alternate activities
It’s easy for screen time to become the default if other engaging pastimes aren’t readily available. The school community can lay the groundwork by:
- Assembling packets of age-appropriate activity suggestions, such as word search puzzles or art projects.
- Compiling resources families can use to plan spring break “staycations,” such as this list of free museums in Canada or a list of local parks and libraries.
- Researching whether nearby dance or art studios offer low-cost classes and spring break “camps” to introduce kids to new hobbies.
4. Educate students on how to be responsible digital citizens
Regular reminders can help children approach social media more mindfully. Here are some topics to highlight:
- Help children develop critical thinking skills so they can evaluate online content and recognize cyberbullying, scams and other harmful behaviors.
- Encourage them to question sources and fact-check information they encounter online.
- Remind children to consider their digital footprint and the impact of their online actions on others.
- Teach them to practice respectful communication and positive interactions within online communities.
5. Prompt caregivers to monitor online activity
While new apps and activities seem to pop up regularly, caregivers should do their best to stay informed on what games, apps and platforms their children use.
Share this straightforward resource from Media Smarts, which explains how to set parental controls on common software and apps. This resource is a starting point for creating a safe online environment. Remind caregivers to check privacy settings on the devices their children use to ensure they aren’t sharing confidential information, such as their location and birthdate. The Canadian Paediatric Society has additional information and tips on safe social media use.
6. Provide mental health resources
Destigmatize the concept of mental health support by regularly sharing resources with families and encouraging them to seek help if necessary. Resources to spotlight include:
- 9-8-8 is a new, three-digit suicide prevention and crisis support hotline available across Canada in English and French. It offers trauma-informed, culturally affirming support via phone and text. (9-8-8 replaces Talk Suicide Canada.)
- The Canadian government offers mental health resources, supports and services, including those specific to each province or territory. This resource will remain available after the government transitions from Wellness Together Canada starting on April 3, 2024.
- Kids Help Phone can be reached by phone at 1-800-668-6868, by text at 686868 or through live chat counselling on the website.
For more free resources and tools, visit Pearson's Mental Health Resource Centre.
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