New research by the Dove Self-Esteem Project found that social media is harming the mental health of 3 in 5 kids. Dove’s new video campaign, “Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film,” showcases this all too common problem that affects young adults.
In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s hard to imagine a day without scrolling through our news feeds or posting updates about our lives. However, social media can also be a breeding ground for misleading images that can negatively impact our kids’ mental health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some ways to keep your kids safe from misleading images on social media.
Educate them about photo manipulation
Kids should be aware that not all images they see on social media are real. Some images may have been manipulated to make them look more attractive or ideal. Educate them about the common techniques used to alter images such as airbrushing, filters, and photoshopping. Teach them to question the authenticity of images they see on social media.
Encourage them to follow positive accounts
Encourage your kids to follow social media accounts that promote positivity and healthy body image. There are plenty of social media accounts out there that promote body positivity, self-love, and self-acceptance. Help your kids find and follow such accounts.
Here are a couple to get you started: @beauty_redefined, @tiffanyima, @thebodcon, @stephanieviada.
Monitor their social media use
Monitor your kids’ social media use and keep an eye on the type of content they’re consuming. You can use parental control software to filter out inappropriate content or limit their social media use.
And many site make this easier by offering “family services”, like TikTok’s Family Pairing or Instagram’s Family Center. Each offer ways to link parents and kids accounts and access to privacy and safety controls.
Encourage them to talk to you
Encourage your kids to talk to you about any misleading images they see on social media. Create a safe and open environment where they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Listen to their concerns and offer support and guidance.
Teach them to love themselves
Teach your kids to love themselves for who they are. Help them build their self-esteem and self-worth by emphasizing their positive qualities and talents. Encourage them to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality.
Model healthy social media behavior
Finally, model healthy social media behavior yourself. Kids learn by example, so make sure you’re setting a good example for your kids. Avoid comparing yourself to others on social media or obsessing over your appearance. Instead, model self-love, self-acceptance, and healthy body image.
In conclusion, social media can be a powerful tool for connection and communication, but it can also be a source of misleading images that can negatively impact our kids’ mental health. By educating them about photo manipulation, encouraging them to follow positive accounts, monitoring their social media use, encouraging them to talk to you, teaching them to love themselves, and modeling healthy social media behavior, you can help your kids stay safe from misleading images on social media.
Way To Go Parents 