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Teen Social Media

 Did you know that there is a direct correlation between the advent of social media and rapid growth in anxiety and depression? I am not in the least surprised.
What’s even scarier is that teens spend an average of nine hours a day online! I have parental controls on both boys phones. It limits the amount of time on the phone, limits internet time, and filters adult content. I just don't think kids and teens have enough self control. It will only get worse once they are older and have all access. Even with the limits, I still think the kids are on them way too much and I see so many unhealthy habits. In this modern age it is a reality and almost impossible to ditch the phones. I wish we could go back to the days when cell phones did not exist, people had face to face conversations, called each other on the phone, shopped in stores, sent birthday cards, and children played with toys instead of electronics. Social media is  influencing and brainwashing our kids to think a certain way and view the world a certain way. Porn is at the click of a button and private messages (Snapchat) are sent with any and all content. There is cyber bullying and comparing just to name a few. It is a constant daily battle with the phones. The kids waste so much time zoned into their phones or they are on their phones when we are doing things together, eating meals, having conversations, riding horses, etc. It isn't just the kids, Mark is always on his phone the instant we are in the car and many times at home. I have to stop him ask him to put his phone down and wait until I have his 100% attention to talk to him. I am guilty, I spend more than enough time on my phone. I Marco (Video Chat) with friends. I will sit down sometimes to look at FB and soon I am scrolling down the page and time slips away. I hate it. These social media formats are so highly addictive and I believe they cause ADD in people. I have seen in kids and adults who can't seem to put the phone down. I have to constantly have self control over my phone and don't check FB or Instagram daily. I only have my own kids on  my Snapchat. Jake has sent over 100,000 snaps in the year he has had Snapchat. He is addicted to it, sending Snaps, checking snaps all day until his phone locks after 3 hours of screen time. He has tons of friends on it, many who he has never met or talked to in person. I think that is just strange. Luke does not have it yet, but really wants it. Luke has Instagram and watches tons of memes. Why couldn't cell phones just be phones like they were intended? I have always said, it is the tool of the devil. Someday, like cigarette's, the damage will be so evident, that we will finally discourage the use. 

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