Too much of online life can affect social skills of children

dubai — If your child is spending several hours watching strangers do social media challenges online, you might want to start considering parental locks on devices. A psychologist in Dubai has said spending too much time “online” can make young ones socially withdrawn or less practised in social skills.

Many youngsters may not be partaking in the social media challenges, but millions are actually watching strangers do them online. Proof is the millions of views social media challenge videos on TikTok (mostly used by teens), YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram have gathered.

Dr Amy Bailey, clinical psychologist and head of psychology at KidsFirst Medical Centre in Dubai, said: “Teenagers may not understand the ‘falseness’ of what can be portrayed by others on social media sites. Therefore they perceive themselves and their own lives in a negative light. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.”

Parents play “a huge role” in modelling

They (teenagers) can become socially withdrawn if they are continually ‘online’ and become less practised in other social skills needed for direct interactions.”

Dr Amy Bailey, psychologist and head of psychology at KidsFirst Medical Centre

an appropriate usage of social media to children, according to Dr Bailey. She said adults need to reduce their own consumption first in order to inspire their own youngsters.

She suggested that parents carry out “technology free zones” or “technology free hours” during the day to help more direct face-to-face interaction between parents and children. “This will allow children to feel more connected to their parents and in turn strengthen the attachment bond between them,” she said.

However, Dr Bailey also said there is also a positive impact by social media, which includes being more aware of society and the world in general.

“Watching videos posted by others can inspire them and open their eyes to new opportunities or possibilities. It can also improve their social skills by widening their social circle, allowing them to develop their communication skills, and enable them to feel more connected to peers. However, alongside this comes negative influences,” she said.

“All individuals use social media as a way to present themselves to the world. For teenagers, whose primary psychosocial goal is to identify a sense of self, social media is an ideal avenue to try presenting different versions of themselves to see which ones fit,” added Dr Bailey.