Protect Children from Facebook Depression

Various social media sites popping up in recent years, adding new concerns for parents. Some doctors now warn of a phenomenon known as 'up for depression,' that can befall a child.
These terms refer to the conditions in which children are obsessed about their place in social media. Symptoms similar to the classic symptoms of depression. Children with low self esteem, it is mentioned most at risk to experience it.
Some researchers disagree about whether the condition is simply an extension of the depression felt by children in other circumstances, or different conditions in relation to the use of online sites.
Some aspects of Facebook may aggravate the situation of children who are dealing with a matter of pride. Through the status updates and photos posted by happy-faced friends, the page of Facebook can make some children feel bad about themselves and more to think he does not want.
According to Drs. Gwenn O'Keeffe, a pediatrician and writer of social media guidelines for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released on March 28, 2011, the pressure faced by preteens and teens to adjust to an online start worrying.
''For some children preteens and teens, social media is their main way to interact socially, rather than going to the mall or to a friend's house,''he said as quoted aap.org site.
Based on the poll by Common Sense Media in August 2009, 22 percent of teenagers log on to their favorite social media sites more than 10 times a day, and more than half of teenagers log on to social media sites more than once a day. About 75 percent of teens now have a personal cell phone, and 25 percent of them use the device to open the social media sites, 54 percent to send SMS, and 24 percent for instant messaging.
Pros cons AAP report also outlines the positive effects of social media. Involvement in social media and online communications, to improve communication, facilitate social interaction and help develop technical skills.
Through the medium, preteen and teenage children can find opportunities involved in community volunteer, and to establish a sense of youth identity. This device can also be a useful addition, and in some cases even replace traditional learning methods in the classroom.
However, the child preteens and teens have a limited capacity to organize themselves and are vulnerable to pressures lurk. They can be trapped in the sites and situations that are not in accordance with age. Numerous studies show, the content of some social media sites can influence young people to engage in risky behavior. In addition, social media also provide a place for cyberbullying and sexting.
''Some young people find the lure of social media is hard to resist, which can interfere with homework, sleeping, their physical activity. Parents need to understand how their children use social media, so it can set appropriate limits,''said Dr. O'Keeffe.
In addition, parents should also educate their children about how social media sites to capture personal information of users. Young people can also harm the reputation and their safety, by posting personal information that is inappropriate.
Here are some ways for parents to protect their children from the dangers of social media:
1. Explaining to children and teenagers about their online activities, and special issues facing children today in the virtual world such as cyberbullying, sexting, and the difficulty set the time.
2. Learn more about the technology that many children use today.
3. Discuss with family the need to have a plan for online activities, with emphasis on healthy behaviors.
4. Monitor the online activity through participation and active communication, not only through software control.

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