The American Psychological Association (APA) issued its first-ever health advisory on social media use. YPulse research shows the youngest of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are already using social media—and their Millennial parents say their kids’ top platforms are YouTube and TikTok. While the APA made a point to acknowledge that social media use is neither beneficial nor harmful to children, it’s clear these platforms are designed for adults and there should be a specific set of guidelines for kids’ usage. The org’s main recommendations center around the role of parents and what they allow for their kids, “but the advisory does denounce algorithms that push young users toward potentially damaging content, including posts that promote self harm, disordered eating, racism and other forms of online hate.” The APA is recommending that parents keep an eye on interrupting sleep routines and physical activity which are the two main areas that impact kids’ mental health. (TechCrunch)
