What is the 'Goldilocks' time frame for social media use for kids according to the JAMA Pediatrics study?

The study suggests that less than two hours of social media use per day is the optimal 'Goldilocks' time frame for children's well-being.

How does social media use affect well-being in different age groups of girls, as per the study?

Younger girls (grades 4-6) showed highest well-being with no social media, while older girls (grades 7-12) benefited from moderate use.

What role do parents play in their child's social media use and well-being?

Parents play a critical role through open discussions, setting boundaries, monitoring accounts, and modeling healthy digital habits.

Home / Health / Social Media's 'Goldilocks' Zone for Kids Revealed

Social Media's 'Goldilocks' Zone for Kids Revealed

14 Jan

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Summary

Moderate social media use, less than two hours daily, benefits children's well-being.
Both excessive use and no social media use were linked to lower well-being.
Parental involvement and open discussions are crucial for healthy social media habits.

Social Media's 'Goldilocks' Zone for Kids Revealed

New research indicates a "Goldilocks" period for children's social media usage, suggesting that a moderate amount of time online, specifically less than two hours per day, may offer the most benefits for mental health. This finding comes from a study tracking 100,000 Australian children and adolescents over three years.

The study, published on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, revealed that both heavy social media consumption and complete avoidance were linked to diminished well-being. While excessive use correlated with distress, no social media engagement could lead to missed social connections. The impact varied by age and gender, with younger girls benefiting most from no use, while older boys showed reduced well-being without any online interaction.

Experts stress that parental guidance is paramount. Open, non-judgmental conversations about cyberbullying, online safety, and discerning fake content are essential. Establishing rules, monitoring accounts, and ensuring social media doesn't detract from real-life activities like clubs and sports are key strategies for promoting healthy digital habits.