Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
[00:00:07] Speaker A: Welcome back to the Just say Something podcast. I am your host Philip Clark.
Today we're talking about one of the biggest parenting challenges of our times keeping kids safe in the digital world, where every app has its own hidden risk.
And this isn't just a feeling parents have. There's real data behind this.
The US Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023 warning parents that social media poses profound risk of harm to young people's mental health.
That's a strong statement, and it validates what many families are experiencing every day.
[00:00:57] Speaker A: But here's the good news. You do not have to be a tech expert to help keep your child safe. You just need to.
[00:01:09] Speaker A: You just need awareness, connection, and consistent, calm conversations.
And that's what we're talking about today.
We know that online life shapes how kids see themselves, their relationships, and their coping tools, but it's also strongly influences their exposure to substance use.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teens who see substance related content online are significantly more likely to try those substances themselves.
That exposure often happens through algorithms, not because kids are searching for drugs, but because the platforms detect their interest and push content that keeps them watching.
On TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, for example, a teen who watches content of about stress or anxiety may start seeing videos promoting vaping as calming or sleep gummies and THC products that look harmless.
[00:02:28] Speaker A: These risks appear subtle, packaged in relatable videos or trendy sounds.
Kids don't realize the danger, and many of these products, especially the THC cartridges and pills sold online, can also contain harmful additives.
The DEA has repeatedly warned that a large share of pills sold on social media platforms contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances.
Screen time itself plays a role in vulnerability.
A nationwide survey conducted by Common Sense Media found that teens now spend more than eight hours a day on screens, not including homework.
That level of screen exposure increases the likelihood of encountering cyberbullying, harmful comparisons, grooming, and exposure to substance marketing.
And it impacts mental health as well.
[00:03:36] Speaker A: The Child Mind Institute reports strong links between heavy social media use and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and negative self image among teens.
[00:03:52] Speaker A: Parents don't need full access to their child's accounts in order to notice that something online is affecting them.
Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend paying attention to several behavioral patterns rather than trying to monitor every message.
Signs of digital stress or exposure to harmful content often show up as sudden irritability, extreme secrecy around devices, staying up late to stay online, withdrawing from family, or a sudden change in mood or habits.
[00:04:34] Speaker A: These signs don't mean something terrible is happening, but they do mean something is influencing your child.
And that's exactly when a conversation matters most.
The key is approaching these conversations calmly.
Because kids shut down when they sense parents panic or judgment.
Parents often think they need to wait for the right moment for a serious talk.
But according to the Surgeon General's advisory, ongoing micro conversations are far more effective than major sit downs.
Asking simple open ended questions during a car ride or while cooking dinner can open the door naturally.
For example, when parents stay calm, kids stay open, and that openness is one of the strongest protective factors against risky behaviors.
[00:05:36] Speaker A: Another practical step is helping kids adjust privacy settings on their apps. The national center for Missing and Exploited Children notes that many online risk, especially contacts from strangers, can be reduced simply by switching accounts from public to private and turning off location sharing features.
Encouraging offline hobbies also matter more than most parents realize.
When kids have activity that builds confidence, such as sports, music.
[00:06:15] Speaker A: Volunteering, they're less vulnerable to online pressure algorithms or peer influence.
This is backed by research from nida, which shows that strong family bonds and meaningful activities are protective factors that reduce substance use risk.
Having honest conversations about why online drug offers are dangerous is another crucial piece.
The CDC and the DEA have both emphasized that counterfeit pills sold online, especially those through social media, often contain fentanyl or other toxic substances.
Kids respond better to logic and facts than fear based warnings, so explaining the risk plainly, without exaggeration, helps them understand the seriousness.
If you come across a concerning message, account or piece of content, experts recommend responding calmly. The Child Mind Institute notes that teens are more likely to seek help if they feel safe and unjudged during those first conversations.
Ask your child to explain what happens their own words.
Let them tell you how they felt sending that message or that video.
[00:07:49] Speaker A: Thank them for their honesty, then decide together what needs to happen next.
Whether that's blocking someone, reporting a post or taking a short break from the app.
If you if the issue touches on mental health, anxiety or something a child may not fully understand, that's a great time to bring in additional support.
Counseling and prevention partnerships like those offered through Compass of Carolina give families a safe place to process these concerns and build healthier coping strategies.
[00:08:32] Speaker A: Parenting in a digital world can feel overwhelming, and it can feel like you're three steps behind.
But the research shows again and again that what matters most is not perfect monitoring.
Its connection, its conversations, its curiosity, not control.
And it's letting your child know that no matter what they see or experience online, they can come to you without fear.
Social media is powerful.
[00:09:12] Speaker A: Online life is complicated, but you are still the strongest protective force your child has.
[00:09:24] Speaker A: And remember, Just say Something is here to support you with resources, prevention tools and partnerships like Compass of Carolina that strengthen families year round.
[00:09:39] Speaker A: Don't forget to follow Just say Something on social media to keep up with our programs, events and ways to get involved.
[00:09:48] Speaker A: And if you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe and follow the Just say Something podcast. We're on YouTube and all major podcast platforms including Audible, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and Spotify.
Thank you for listening and we will see you next time.
[00:10:14] Speaker B: Sam.
