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Social Media's 'Goldilocks' Zone for Kids Revealed
14 Jan
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.
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.
