VIDEO: Social Media And Teens — Advice From Lisa Damour And Christopher Pepper
In a discussion hosted by Common Sense Media, we talk about the many ways social media intersects with growing up today
HELLO!
I’ve had a lot of new people sign up for this newsletter recently, and I want to give you all a warm welcome. I’m Christopher Pepper, an award-winning health educator and journalist. Every week in Teen Health Today I provide advice and information to support parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors in raising and educating young people. I’m so glad you found this community!
Big Love,
Christopher
P.S. If you’re here due to a recommendation from the wonderful W. Kamau Bell, please check out this interview we did when he launched
Video: Living With Teens And Social Media
Teens have always pushed the boundaries of what their parents find acceptable or safe. Risky behavior is developmentally appropriate for teenagers, but worrying about it keeps us awake at night. What are our teens doing? How can we protect them, and how do we handle the mistakes they will inevitably make?
Rather than sex, drugs, and rock and roll, today's families often stress over what they can't see so easily: tech and social media use. And it's complicated by the fact that there are no magic wand solutions to guarantee safety and balanced use.
Thankfully, there are time-tested ways to manage the risky behaviors of tweens and teens. In this talk, recorded on January 16, I’m joined in conversation by Dr. Lisa Damour and Common Sense Media's Sue Thotz. We have an informative conversation that illustrates how social media intersects with growing up today. You'll come away with viable strategies and tips to mitigate the risks of (seemingly always) being online.
Here are some of the topics we discussed:
In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues for keeping phones away from kids before high school and for banning social media until age 16. How do you counsel people on this topic?
Haidt’s book has captured the imagination of parents and regulators, and yet academics are pushing back on arguments. How do we move forward from here?
Taking risks is part of being a teenager - how do we help parents think about and mitigate some of those risks as it relates to social media?
How is preparing kids for social media similar to preparing for a high school party?
Is there any way to "trust but verify" that my teen is using social media responsibly? Is that a useful framework?”
What are specific concerns for girls and boys that come up on social media?
How do you remain vigilant around technology and social media while respecting your teen’s wishes for privacy
As a parent, when should I worry? What are the warning signs we should look for?
What are some take-away messages you wish all parents heard?
Meet The Panelists
Lisa Damour, PhD
Psychologist, bestselling author, New York Times and CBS News contributor
Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News and the creator of Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them.
Christopher Pepper
Award-winning health educator, author of Teen Health Today newsletter and co-author of forthcoming book Talk To Your Boys.
Christopher Pepper is an award-winning health educator in the San Francisco Unified School District, where he has taught thousands of students about topics like sleep, mental health, and sexuality. He also helps coordinate the district's Young Men’s Health Project, which brings middle and high school boys together to talk about relationships, emotions, and healthy masculinity. His work has been featured in the New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Edutopia, and on National Public Radio.
Sue Thotz (moderator)
Director of Outreach, Common Sense Education
Sue Thotz is the Director of Outreach for Common Sense Education and co-founder of Equity in Action CA. In 2011, Sue began working for Common Sense by providing support and training for educators and administrators on issues of digital culture and wellness. As a co-founder of Equity in Action CA, she has facilitated conferences emphasizing the importance of identity and belonging and striving to amplify marginalized voices in education technology. Sue is the winner of the 2023 CUE Making IT Happen Award. Before Common Sense, Sue was a researcher and educator. Sue holds a master's degree in public health and an undergraduate degree in zoology and chemistry.
But Wait, There’s More!
If you want to hear more from me and Dr. Lisa Damour, check out this webinar we recorded in April 2024. Here, we delve into the troublesome side of being online, including racial slurs, body image issues, and misogyny that can affect all kids. Our goal: to help parents understand why these influences have power over kids and offer strategies for opening up conversations that will help kids manage the feelings and pressures they face.
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