If you have teenagers in the house, you want to do what you can to keep them safe while still giving them the freedom they need to explore their world. That can be a difficult balance to find, but it’s possible. One of the biggest concerns you probably have is with social media and teens. No longer a fad, various social media platforms have become everyday aspects of modern living. However, there are still dangers out there for the naïve and the young in virtual domains.
There can be a lot of harmful things taking place online. Bullying is often an issue for teenagers, and there are also concerns about substance abuse and related problems. But when you come to us at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, you can get the support and guidance you need to keep your teens happier and healthier.
Want to learn more about addiction treatment programs in Rehrersburg? Call us today at 844.442.8673.
Social Media and Teens Can be a Bad Combination
There are a lot of good reasons for teens to be online, but the use of social media can also cause problems. If you’re concerned about social media and teens or worried that your teenager is using social media sites in a manner that’s becoming addictive, you’re not alone.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has warned that too much time on social media can have negative consequences for teenagers’ physical and mental health. The AAP says that kids who spend more than two hours a day on devices are more likely to be obese, have lower grades, and suffer from anxiety and depression.
Social media can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying. A study by the National Cyber Security Alliance found that nearly 60% of teens have been bullied online, and that number is likely to be even higher since not all victims report incidents. Cyberbullying can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
It’s important to talk to your teen about the dangers of social media and set rules for appropriate usage. You may also want to consider limiting or completely banning the use of social media during homework time or family time.
Many parents are very concerned about the time their teen spends on social media—and rightly so. Your teen can get help, though, to break their social media addiction and learn to use the internet in a way that’s better for their mental health. They don’t have to struggle with an addiction to social sites any longer when you get them the help they need to be successful.
Symptoms of Social Media Addiction in Teens
Just like any other addiction, social media addiction can have negative effects on a person’s life. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media usage, look for the following signs:
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using social media
- Isolation from family and friends
- Lying about social media usage
- Skipping homework or other activities to use social media
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or irritability when not using social media
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
These symptoms can impact every area of a person’s life, from their social life to their school performance. If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s important to get help.
The Right Treatment Can Break a Social Media Addiction
To address the issue of social media and teens, the right treatment program is necessary. Sometimes, that’s a therapeutic intervention. Other times, more unconventional treatments might be needed. But no matter what you choose for your teen, you can get the advice and support you need from our facility. We can find the treatment program that will be best for your teenager, so they can conquer their addiction to social media and move on to a future that’s not controlled by internet sites and the problematic behaviors that could come from them. Some of the programs treatment programs offer to help your teen include:
- Medical and conversational treatment
- Withdrawal management and addiction detox program
- Men’s and women’s programs
- Hope program
- Inpatient addiction treatment program
- Long-term and outpatient options
- Short-term residential
- Music therapy
Get the Help You Need Today, at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
When it comes to social media and teens, arguing or trying to restrict their behavior may not work well. In some cases, social media use can lead to drug and alcohol use. However, getting the proper treatment can help. At the Naaman Center, an outpatient treatment center for teens, we provide the help your teen needs to overcome substance use. We understand social media’s impact on teens, and we can help your teen get on the path to a better future.
Your teenager doesn’t have to live a life that involves addiction to social media. They can break free of that problem when they come to a quality facility that can help them. Therefore, contact us online or call us today at 844.442.8673, and let us help your teen get started on the road to a full recovery.
