SPRING 2018
maskmatters.org
43
educate
J
Generation Stress
But Facebook,
Twitter, texting,
Snapchat and similar
advancements in
technology have thrown a
wrench into what the brain originally
was programmed to do. Technology
stimulates primitive circuits in the
brain in ways that can be harmful and
addictive to your child.
It’s true that social media is
changing our world in unimaginable
ways—some positive and some
not. Just think about this: Faceless
communication through a screen
lends itself to mean, frequently
anonymous comments (which most
people wouldn’t dream of saying in
person) that go unfiltered. A child
reads and internalizes a negative
post, frantically responds (again
seeking some type of reward) and
the cycle repeats itself.
We didn’t grow up with
cyberbullying, either, but
an estimated one-half
of all teens have
been victimized
by it, according
to BullyingStatistics.org.
However, only one in 10
teens tells a parent and
fewer than one in five cyberbullying
incidents are reported to law
enforcement. Instead, adolescents
may turn to drugs or sex to feel
better about themselves.
So what should parents do?
h
Start when they’re young.
Set reasonable limits on everything
from candy bars to television. Don’t
forbid these things, because you’ll
set yourself up to fail.
h
Explain your decisions.
Talk
about the chemicals in the brain
that can create unhealthy cravings
and addictions. Teach your kids the
importance of moderating their own
behaviors.
h
Monitor your child’s access
to electronics, and make sure the
privacy and security settings
are appropriate and only a small
circle of their friends is invited in.
h
Trade screen time for face
time.
Have meals together, play ball,
go to a play, ride bicycles. Exercise
produces endorphins, another brain
chemical that produce positive
feelings in the body.
h
Seek family therapy
if you feel
your child needs professional help.
