Back in June of 2024, hosts Tom Dyer, Hayley Wheeler and Tammy Foley from Pure West Radio, Healthy minds , better lives show focussed on growing up and living life through a screen. Read about what was discussed in show regarding the impact of technology and social media on children growing up in the age of technology.
Nearly thirty years ago as I opened the package delivering my brick sized Nokia, I couldn’t have imagined what was going to be possible, there have been updates, developments, new tech, the introduction of social media and now we are on the cusp of AI revolution. But it hasn’t come without it’s problems and challenges for the humans using it.
Here are the key points from the show:
Children are struggling with social skills and identity due to a lack of social interaction during lockdowns and heavy reliance on technology. They haven't had the opportunity to explore their personalities and develop strong friendships in the real world.
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity and confusion. The constant pressure to curate a perfect online persona and unrealistic portrayals of life can be damaging to self-esteem.
Children are missing out on essential developmental experiences due to excessive screen time. This includes learning social cues, exploring their creativity, and building resilience.
The importance of establishing a healthy balance between technology and real-world experiences is emphasized. Strategies like phone-free zones and encouraging outdoor activities are suggested.
Self-discovery and acceptance are crucial for young people. Learning to be comfortable in their own skin and understanding their values is a key part of navigating the complexities of social media and identity.
Young people today haven't had the chance to develop a strong sense of self due to limited social interaction caused by the pandemic and their reliance on technology.
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity and bullying, unlike face-to-face interactions.
The constant pressure to be online and maintain a perfect online persona is causing anxiety and confusion amongst teenagers.
The lack of real-world exploration and play is hindering their ability to learn social skills and develop their identities.
Tips to support your children with using tech and social media safely
Encourage young people to spend more time outdoors and engage in real-world activities.
Help them discover their passions and interests.
Practice acceptance of oneself and encourage self-reflection.
Find a balance between technology use and real-world interaction.
Encourage them to find their purpose outside of a phone
The show also mentioned positive aspects of technology, such as connecting with friends and family during lockdowns and families that span the globe. However, the overall message is that a healthy balance is needed to ensure children develop strong social skills and a positive sense of self.
Children are struggling with social skills and identity due to a lack of social interaction during lockdowns and heavy reliance on technology. They haven't had the opportunity to explore their personalities and develop strong friendships in the real world.
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity and confusion. The constant bombardment of unrealistic portrayals and pressure to be someone they're not can be damaging to a young person's self-esteem.
Cyberbullying is a serious issue. Online anonymity allows bullies to target others without boundaries, causing significant emotional harm.
Technology can be a positive tool for connection, especially during times of isolation. Social media helped people stay connected during lockdowns.
Finding a balance is crucial. It's important to encourage healthy online habits and prioritize real-world interactions for social and emotional development.
Navigating the world through a screen:
Everywhere you look people of all ages are looking at some kind of screen, phones, tablets, laptops, TV and cinema, bringing us joy, as much as pain. But we keep watching, we keep reading, we keep scrolling, we keep distracting ourselves from the real world. In this show we talked about living life through a screen. I have a love hate relationship with phones and social media, I love that It can connect, and offer opportunities not always available locally. But it can create chaos, crisis and
Helping Young People Develop a Strong Sense of Self
In today's digital-driven world, young people are facing unprecedented challenges in developing a strong sense of self. The pandemic has significantly limited social interaction, forcing many to rely heavily on technology for connection. This has had a profound impact on their ability to explore their personalities, build friendships, and navigate the complexities of social media.
The Dangers of Social Media
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, bullying, and unrealistic portrayals of life. The constant pressure to curate a perfect online persona and the fear of missing out can lead to anxiety, confusion, and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying, fuelleed by anonymity, has become a serious issue, causing emotional harm to many young people.
The Importance of Real-World Experiences
Excessive screen time is depriving young people of essential developmental experiences. By spending more time online, they are missing out on opportunities to learn social cues, explore their creativity, and build resilience. Engaging in real-world activities, such as playing outdoors, participating in sports, and joining clubs, is crucial for fostering social skills, self-discovery, and a strong sense of self.
Striking a Balance
It's essential to help young people establish a healthy balance between technology and real-world experiences. Implementing phone-free zones, encouraging outdoor activities, and limiting screen time can make a significant difference. By prioritizing real-world interactions, young people can develop stronger social skills and a more positive sense of self.
Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Self-discovery and acceptance are key to navigating the complexities of social media and identity. Encourage young people to explore their interests, passions, and values. Help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and teach them to embrace their uniqueness.
The Power of Positive Connection
While social media can pose challenges, it can also be a valuable tool for connection. Encourage young people to use technology responsibly and to maintain healthy online relationships. By fostering positive connections and supporting their well-being, we can help young people thrive in the digital age.
Living life through a screen (June 2024)
Back in June of 2024, hosts Tom Dyer, Hayley Wheeler and Tammy Foley from Pure West Radio, Healthy minds , better lives show focussed on growing up and living life through a screen. Read about what was discussed in show regarding the impact of technology and social media on children growing up in the age of technology.
Nearly thirty years ago as I opened the package delivering my brick sized Nokia, I couldn’t have imagined what was going to be possible, there have been updates, developments, new tech, the introduction of social media and now we are on the cusp of AI revolution. But it hasn’t come without it’s problems and challenges for the humans using it.
Here are the key points from the show:
Tips to support your children with using tech and social media safely
The show also mentioned positive aspects of technology, such as connecting with friends and family during lockdowns and families that span the globe. However, the overall message is that a healthy balance is needed to ensure children develop strong social skills and a positive sense of self.
Navigating the world through a screen:
Everywhere you look people of all ages are looking at some kind of screen, phones, tablets, laptops, TV and cinema, bringing us joy, as much as pain. But we keep watching, we keep reading, we keep scrolling, we keep distracting ourselves from the real world. In this show we talked about living life through a screen. I have a love hate relationship with phones and social media, I love that It can connect, and offer opportunities not always available locally. But it can create chaos, crisis and
Helping Young People Develop a Strong Sense of Self
In today's digital-driven world, young people are facing unprecedented challenges in developing a strong sense of self. The pandemic has significantly limited social interaction, forcing many to rely heavily on technology for connection. This has had a profound impact on their ability to explore their personalities, build friendships, and navigate the complexities of social media.
The Dangers of Social Media
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, bullying, and unrealistic portrayals of life. The constant pressure to curate a perfect online persona and the fear of missing out can lead to anxiety, confusion, and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying, fuelleed by anonymity, has become a serious issue, causing emotional harm to many young people.
The Importance of Real-World Experiences
Excessive screen time is depriving young people of essential developmental experiences. By spending more time online, they are missing out on opportunities to learn social cues, explore their creativity, and build resilience. Engaging in real-world activities, such as playing outdoors, participating in sports, and joining clubs, is crucial for fostering social skills, self-discovery, and a strong sense of self.
Striking a Balance
It's essential to help young people establish a healthy balance between technology and real-world experiences. Implementing phone-free zones, encouraging outdoor activities, and limiting screen time can make a significant difference. By prioritizing real-world interactions, young people can develop stronger social skills and a more positive sense of self.
Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Self-discovery and acceptance are key to navigating the complexities of social media and identity. Encourage young people to explore their interests, passions, and values. Help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and teach them to embrace their uniqueness.
The Power of Positive Connection
While social media can pose challenges, it can also be a valuable tool for connection. Encourage young people to use technology responsibly and to maintain healthy online relationships. By fostering positive connections and supporting their well-being, we can help young people thrive in the digital age.