The Negative Impacts it has

allowed to use, it is suggested that parents monitor the use of their child/ children’s use. 95% of young people report they are almost constantly on their devices looking at social media (CDC, 2023). Our brains do not fully develop until around the age of 25. Adolescent brain development could be more vulnerable than ever before because of the harm that social media can do (CDC,2023).

What Parents Can Do

Parents often ask if social media is safe for kids. The answer is that we need more evidence to say it is safe or unsafe. When faced with this question in my office, I, as a therapist, recommend monitoring your child’s phone, talking to them about controversial topics, checking in with them, watching for behaviors of isolation, placing time limits, and having a universal area at night to charge the phones. Many children are sleep deprived and not getting to school on time, if at all, because they may have been up late on their phones, or they are not getting enough REM sleep because their phones are constantly alerting them about something throughout the night (CDC, 2023). Children are exposed to content that may not be age-appropriate, violent, or sexual. They could be bullied or harassed. Parents can determine if the content their child is viewing is appropriate and can put parental controls on phones and devices to block inappropriate content. Protect young eyes is an excellent resource for parents to understand the latest in social media and how to decrease or eliminate usage. Your phone carriers can also assist in providing information on parental controls.

Remember, everything in moderation can be okay, but constant usage can become harmful. Parents can watch to determine if their child›s phone use distracts and disrupts daily activities, social events, sports, and time spent with family. All children respond differently to social media, and there could be positive benefits that social media provide if appropriately used and monitored. Such benefits of social media include.

• Feeling more included and accepted

• Having people that support them through difficult times.

• An opportunity to be creative.

• More connected to friends and families near and far

According to the CDC, some elements can be problematic. Some of these areas of concern are but are not limited too.

• Body image

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Comparing self to others

• Other people’s lives look more exciting.

• Eating disorders

• Low Self Esteem

• Addiction to Social Media

• Hate-based Content.

• Disturbing Content

• Sleep disruptions

Parents can create family rules and make plans for social media in their homes. Have a family meeting to determine what works best and establish rules that create safety and security for your child.

• Zones where technology can be used.

• Educate children on responsible online behavior.

• Model the behaviors expected of your children.

• Monitor your child’s devices.

• Have a universal charging station at night.

• Keep yourselves educated on new social media platforms.

• Have parenting restrictions set up through your carrier.

• Discuss concerns.

• Ensure your child is getting enough exercise and social interactions.

• Educate your child on how to block unwanted content.

• Educate your child on sharing personal information.

Educate your child what to do if they are being bullied or harassed.

Social media can be an essential tool if used correctly. Parents are influential in keeping their children safe. Our youth do not know a world without technology. Our adults’ job is to teach them proper usage and safety to assist with happier and healthier lives. If you are struggling with making healthy boundaries for your children related to technology and social media, contact a local therapist, they are here to provide tools to assist you.

Suicide Content

This article discusses topics related to suicide.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact your local therapist or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, 1800-2738255 in Spanish at 18886289454, for people deaf or hard of hearing 1-800799-4889 or text the Crisis Text line at HOME to 741741

Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). CDC Report On Teen Mental Health Is A Red Alert

Washington Post

Golin, S., Gomez, S., Laiblin., K., Matyka, M., McCarthy, T., Son, D., Sugar, M., Teefey, M., & Wettels, J. (Executive Producers). (2017-2020). 13 reasons why [TV series]. July Moon Productions, Kicked to the Curb Productions, That Kid Ed Productions, Anonymous Content, Paramount Television Studios.

McKenzie, S. K., Jenkin, G., Steers, D., Magill, R., & Collings, S. (2021). Young people’s perspectives and understanding of the suicide story in 13 Reasons Why: A qualitative study. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(1), 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1027/02275910/a000688

Abbott’s Magic Company, located in Colon, was established in 1934 by an Australian magician, Percy Abbott, who lived in Colon. Abbott produced magic tricks and props to sell and his store quickly became a popular destination for magicians and magic enthusiasts from around the world. One of those magicians who visited the store was Henry Bouton — the famed magician, illusionist, and ventriloquist known worldwide as Harry Blackstone — “The Great Blackstone.” Blackstone’s association with the company began when he visited the magic shop and met Percy Abbott. Blackstone was impressed with the quality of the products and he began to order magic supplies from Abbott’s. He and Abbott became friends and the two magicians collaborated on the design and manufacture of props. Blackstone credited the company for helping him create some of his most famous illusions including the Blackstone Floating Light Bulb, which is still sold by Abbott’s Magic Company today. Blackstone became a partner in the company and in 1940 he bought land in Colon to build a summer home. Blackstone is buried in Colon’s Lakeside Cemetery along with more than forty other magicians who also wanted to be laid to rest near fellow magicians.

In 1959, Percy Abbott sold the business to his long-time friend and employee, Recil Bordner. He, too, was an accomplished magician and