IF YOU GIVE A KID A SMARTPHONE, THEY’RE GOING TO WANT A SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT.
That’s not the start of a storybook. The average age for a kid getting their first smartphone is 10. Within a year, a child has likely made four or five social media accounts; by the age of 12, 90% of kids are already on social media, according to research by Linda Charmaraman, a senior research scientist who runs the Youth Media and Well-Being Research Lab at Wellesley College.
For parents and caregivers, the decision to let your youngster sign up for TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat can feel like a daunting milestone. Around the world, lawmakers have been mounting pressure on the likes of Meta and TikTok to restrict the addictive design features that young users are subjected to. But social media can be valuable to young people, too. Digital spaces can be beneficial settings to build friendships and receive social support from peers. So if your kid starts asking about social media (or you suspect that they already have secret accounts), what’s a parent to do?
‘Social media is not inherently good or bad,’ says Charmaraman, whose research focuses on adolescent development and social media. ‘It’s really about how people come to use social media, in what ways, and what kinds of supports they have to navigate it in a way that’s right for them.’
It’s absolutely possible for families to foster a healthy relationship with social media by understanding the science, starting conversations about social media and mental health, and setting boundaries on security settings and screen use. Here’s how to get started, whether your kid is 17 or approaching the age of 10.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH REALLY SAY?
Bu hikaye GQ South Africa dergisinin October - November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye GQ South Africa dergisinin October - November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
58 Do's and Dont's for Getting Dressed Right Now
Is it ever OK to repeat outfits? Should your socks match your shoes? Are Henleys cool? GQ staffers weigh in on all the most pressing style questions of the day
A man of many talents
Fhatuwani Mukheli is a true trailblazer, carving a unique path in his multifaceted career. His journey is captivating story, always evolving and filled with surprises
The man who doesn't play by the rule book
CEO of Red Rocket, Matteo Brambilla is aman onamission to improve big energy
Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year
Setting smart goals and resolutions for 2024 can help you achieve greater financial stability, reduce stress, and work towards the future you envision
BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL
YOU'D EXPECT NOTHING ELSE BUT COMFORT AND LUXURY FROM A RANGE ROVER OR LEXUS. A HYUNDAI NOT SO MUCH. SO WOULD THE STYLISH PALISADE PROVE A SURPRISE? OUR MOTORING ED DIETER LOSSKARN WAS KEEN TO FIND OUT...
The Italian Stallions
Named after breathtaking Italian mountain pass roads Alfa's SUVs are not only but lots of fun to drive. GQ motoring ed Dieter Losskarn took the Tonale across South African mountain passes, and the Stelvio to De Hoop Nature Reserve attractive to look at, some spectacular
10 Perfect Summer Fragrances
Whether you're heading to a beach party, a rooftop bar, or just a casual day out, here's a curated list of scents ideal for those hot summer months
An audience with a master perfumer
Francis Kurkdjian, French perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, shares the sources of inspiration and discoveries on his journey into the world of luxury fragrances
CURATED SUMMER ESSENTIALS
Our Fashion Director Luke Diva shares his summer checklist, from refreshing cocktails to trendy wardrobe items
Taste Makers
The Marble Group the team behind three of Johannesburg’s top restaurants, Marble, Saint and Zioux take us on an urban adventure in dining