51%  students say they always feel anxious or stressed on a regular basis.

Many studies throughout the last year have shown social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and Snapchat have a negative effect on the mental well-being of grade students.  There is the constant pressure to keep up in all areas of life.  Along with the new stresses of culture - anxiety and depression have both been linked directly to the use of social media. Students who say they spend 2 or more hours a day on social media say they see  a decrease in life satisfaction and the ability to like themselves.  We should know - daily contact with social media is shifting our nervous systems into a ‘fight-or-flight’ mode causing increased stress among students in todays world. So, how do we help our student through this?

NOTICE THE WARNING SIGNS: 
+Student can't put phone down for designated periods of time without scrolling through social media
+Student has extreme low self-esteem and is consistently hard on themselves.
+Student is anxious without their phone
+Student knows and reports more then they should about friends or things happening on social media/culture
+Student compares themself or family to others
+Students first thing they do in the morning is check social media

SEVERAL WAYS YOU CAN HELP AS A PARENT:
+Conversations - Have open conversations about anxiety and the link to social media.  Always come from a place of love and care. Having these discussions when student is in "trouble" or being reactionary will only cause student to shut down. Wait for the right moment and ask to talk with them. Ask questions before you assume. Questions like: How are you doing? I have noticed you seem stressed and maybe dealing with anxiety. Is that something you feel or see? Tell me how you're feeling? Have you noticed if social media causes you to be depressed or have anxiety?
+Social Media Timers - Put social media timers on your students phone. Did you know that you can set up time limits on your students phone? Follow the link below (SET UP TIME LIMITS) to get instructions.
+Encourage Breaks - It is important to show students the negative effects of being on social media and how it effects them. Your student wants you to parent them in a healthy way, encourage them to take breaks from social media. We understand students may not be in agreement with this, but many will see how it effects their anxiety and mental health when given a break.
+Lean On The Church - Many parents do not realize the resource they have with the local church. Your local youth ministry can help guide you and your student through these discussions. It is important to bring your student to church and in an environment where they not only hear about Jesus, but they hear practical ways to live life to the fullest. ASCEND is a great place to bring your student weekly, our leadership team are incredible listeners and are ready to walk students through life. 
+Christian Counseling - If you feel your student is struggling with anxiety, it is important to have them see someone they can talk more in depth with. There are many counselors who specialize in speaking with students. See our recommendation page for local christian counselors in our area. 

LINK TO SET UP TIME LIMITS: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-screen-time-for-yourself-iphbfa595995/ios


Below you will find continued helpful tools to help you and your student through anxiety.