As a mom of two growing kids and the founder of Pickup Sports, I’ve been increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on our children. Every day, I see my kids in a world where digital connections are becoming as common as face-to-face interactions.

It’s exciting at times, but mostly worrying. I know I’m not alone in this - many of you have shared similar concerns. When it comes to sports and play, screen time is our biggest competitor. And that’s why I felt it was crucial to address this topic in our newsletter today.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Sheds Light on Rising Social Media Concerns

Dr. Vivek Murthy, our U.S. Surgeon General, has recently raised alarming concerns about social media’s effect on youth mental health. Here are some takeaways from the recent New York Times op-ed:

📊 Studies show teens spending 3+ hours daily on social media double their risk of depression.

🕰️ On average, teens are spending nearly five hours a day on social media apps.

📱 Over 95% of kids are using social media regularly.

Dr. Murthy is calling for Congress to implement warning labels on social media apps, similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol, to alert parents and children to potential risks.

Although I don’t believe this warning label will entirely solve the issue, it’s a small step in the right direction and can be one piece of a larger number of changes that need to happen over time.

What Can Parents Do?

As parents, we have a unique opportunity to foster a healthier relationship between our kids and social media.

🏫 Support (or initiate) phone-free policies in schools to promote focused learning and real-world interactions.

💪 Work with other parents on shared rules so your kids don’t feel left out of social conversations. For example, start a “Wait Until 8th” pledge in your community.

🍽️ Establish screen-free zones at home, such as during meal times and family time, to build stronger relationships.

💬 Have open conversations with your children about social media use and set clear guidelines together.

🏋️‍♀️ Promote alternatives like education, exercise, or face-to-face time with friends that offer more tangible benefits.

Let’s remember that even if the content seems harmless, the probability of learning something truly useful from endless scrolling is very low. By guiding our children towards more enriching activities, we’re helping them make the most of their time and opportunities.

Spotlight on The Starglow Weekly

Speaking of purposeful parenting and lessening screen time, I wanted to share a fantastic resource with you. The Starglow Weekly, from the #1 Kids & Family podcast network, offers a quick TLDR (that’s “too long, didn’t read”) on all things purposeful parenting, reducing screen time, and finding that elusive balance we're all seeking. It's like a weekly pep talk for parents navigating the digital age! 🌟 If you're looking for more insights and tips on this topic, I highly recommend checking it out.

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