: In 2012, nearly 50% of teens said their favorite way to communicate with friends was in person. In person usually meant either face to face or over the telephone. In 2018, it dropped to 32%. Half of teenagers say they are addicted to a mobile device, and 72% feel the need to immediately respond to texts and social messages.In some ways, online communication is protective. Eighty-one percent of teens say social media makes them feel more connected to their friends.
Monitor your kids and see what they’re doing online. Tell them you're going to look at their browsing history. Move their computer down to the kitchen or family room. And set family rules for the internet. Focus on balance. Make sure your children are also engaging in social interactions offline. Turn off their cell phone notifications. These tempt kids to interrupt what they’re doing to engage with their phones. Be especially watchful in teens who are at high risk for depression. Model restraint and balance in your own media use. Spend time online together with your kids, and share your values with them.
To read the full Children's Mental Health Report, and find resources and strategies for managing your kids' social media use, visit: