Helping kids use social media intentionally and safely is key, says Stanford scholar
Helping kids use social media intentionally and safely is key, says Stanford scholar
In response to the U.S. surgeon general’s advisory about social media’s impacts on youth and adolescents, Stanford scholar Jeff Hancock reflects on what parents, policymakers, and educators can do to help children create healthy habits online. Published in Stanford News.
When it comes to fully understanding the effects of social media on children and teens, content, connection, and intention matter, said Stanford communications scholar Jeff Hancock in response to the statement the U.S. surgeon general issued about the effects of social media on youth mental health.
It’s not just about how much time kids spend on these platforms, it’s also about what they are engaging with and with whom, said Hancock, who has studied the impacts of social media for nearly two decades.
Here, Hancock shares some of his key takeaways from the surgeon general’s warning and some recommendations that parents, policymakers, and schools can consider. He emphasizes that education about these tools is critical, and it should start early so that by the time youth are using these platforms, they know how to do so safely and with intention.
