A mental health resource for Missouri children and families
Mental Health Minute
Community Support for Missouri Children and Families
Is social media hurting your mental health?
This edition focuses on social media and its impact on mental health. By now, most are aware that sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have changed how we all communicate. There are many benefits to virtual connection; however, when used excessively, there are also dangers that we must be aware of – especially for kids.
Besides consuming hours of time and attention, many tailor their daily lives around social media. Studies link this continuous exposure to screens to the alarming increase in depression and suicide rates among youth and teens. Social media can promote negative experiences that young minds are ill-equipped to handle, such as inadequacy about their appearance or life experiences, the fear-of-missing-out, or cyberbullying. Additionally, social media's rapid spread of misinformation can create increased levels of loneliness and disconnection.
Our ambition with these resources is to inform you and your family how social media platforms can affect your mental health and what you can do about it. Share this newsletter with your kids, family, and friends. Use this as a conversation starter to promote social media safety awareness while emphasizing the importance of real-world human connection.
Are you interested in being certified in Mental Health First Aid? LFCS will offer this skills-based training beginning in 2021 and you may be eligible to receive this training at no cost. Please share your level of interest below. Thank you!
