May 2023
The Detrimental Effects of Social Media on the Mental and Physical Health of Teenagers and Children
Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, with teenagers and children being among the most active users. While social media offers various benefits, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential negative impacts it can have on their mental and physical well-being. This article aims to highlight five main reasons why social media is detrimental to the mental and physical health of teenagers and children, along with the consequences of not responding appropriately to each reason.
- Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: One of the major concerns associated with social media is cyberbullying and online harassment. The constant exposure to negative comments, rumors, and personal attacks can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Failure to address this issue adequately may result in the victim experiencing long-term psychological trauma, decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and even self-harm or suicidal tendencies.
- Unrealistic Body Image Standards: Social media platforms often perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and a distorted self-image among teenagers and children. Comparing oneself to edited and filtered images can contribute to low self-esteem, poor body image, and disordered eating behaviors. Neglecting to address this issue may result in the development of eating disorders, depression, and a negative impact on overall self-confidence and well-being.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Social Comparison: Social media creates an environment where individuals constantly compare their lives to others, leading to the fear of missing out (FOMO) and feelings of inadequacy. Excessive social comparison can generate anxiety, depression, and a sense of loneliness. Failing to respond appropriately to this issue may contribute to social withdrawal, reduced self-worth, and decreased real-life social interactions, which are essential for healthy development.
- Sleep Disturbances: The excessive use of social media, especially during nighttime, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep disturbances among teenagers and children. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the natural sleep-wake cycle, resulting in reduced sleep duration and quality. Inadequate sleep has profound consequences, including impaired cognitive function, decreased academic performance, mood swings, and increased risk of physical health problems like obesity and weakened immune system.
- Decreased Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Spending excessive time on social media often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, reducing physical activity levels among teenagers and children. This lack of physical exercise can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. Failing to address this concern may result in long-term physical health complications, such as increased risk of chronic diseases, poor fitness levels, and decreased overall well-being.
While social media provides a platform for connection and self-expression, it is essential to acknowledge the potential negative effects it can have on the mental and physical health of teenagers and children. Cyberbullying, unrealistic body image standards, social comparison, sleep disturbances, and decreased physical activity are among the key reasons why social media can be detrimental to their well-being. Failing to respond appropriately to each of these issues can lead to severe consequences, including emotional distress, self-esteem issues, social isolation, disordered eating behaviors, sleep disruptions, decreased academic performance, and physical health problems. Therefore, it is imperative for parents, educators, and policymakers to address these concerns actively, promoting responsible and balanced social media usage while providing necessary support and guidance to ensure the well-being of teenagers and children in the digital age.
Wisdom from Scripture on How to Positively Respond to Social Media’s Negative Impact on our teenagers and all our children:
The Bible offers guidance on various aspects of life, including how to positively influence teenagers and children in the face of negative trends like social media. Here are a few key principles that can be derived from biblical teachings:
- Set a Positive Example: As adults, we are called to be role models for the younger generation. In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” By living out our faith and demonstrating positive behavior, we can inspire young people to follow a path of righteousness and make wise choices online.
- Teach Discernment and Wisdom: Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” It is crucial to teach children how to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make wise decisions when using social media. Helping them develop critical thinking skills and a biblical worldview can equip them to navigate the digital landscape with discernment.
- Encourage Healthy Relationships: Social media can often foster shallow connections and a focus on self-promotion. However, as Christians, we are called to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships. In Romans 12:10, it says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Encourage teenagers and children to prioritize real-life relationships, investing time and effort in building genuine connections rather than solely relying on virtual interactions.
- Emphasize Kindness and Love: The online world can be filled with negativity and hurtful comments. In Ephesians 4:29, it says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Teach young people the importance of using their words to encourage, uplift, and show love to others, even in the digital realm.
- Foster Gratitude and Contentment: Social media often promotes a mindset of comparison and dissatisfaction. However, as Christians, we are called to be content and grateful for what we have. In Philippians 4:11-12, the apostle Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” Encourage teenagers and children to focus on gratitude, celebrating their own blessings instead of constantly comparing themselves to others.
By applying these biblical principles and engaging in open and honest conversations with teenagers and children about the potential pitfalls of social media, we can positively influence their digital lives. It is through love, guidance, and a biblical worldview that we can help young people navigate the challenges of social media while staying grounded in their faith and values.
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. We’re living in a time right now where things are almost unbelievable. People are bewildered. They can’t believe their eyes. That’s why God right now is allowing everything that can be shaken to be shaken. Things that you have trusted in things that you’ve always known, things that you’ve always looked to and said that’s solid are this is solid and those people are solid all of a sudden everything is being shaken that can be shaken. Only the things which cannot be shaken will remain. So don’t be surprised. You’re going to see sports shaken. You’re gonna see politics shaken. You’re gonna see Wall Street shaken. You’re gonna see the White House shaken. There are so many things you’re going to see shaking on all levels, but the Bible said those things that cannot be shaken will remain. Here’s what I’m trying to say is if you’re not serving other gods, and if you don’t have idols in your life, you’ll see these things happening, but it will not even move you. I want to give you this word of encouragement. No matter what’s coming, no matter how bad It’s going to be, we serve the One and Only God and He is the living God and he is the almighty God. And he has you in the palm of his hand. There’s nothing to fear…You’re gonna see every one of the idols of America shaking down to the dust. I’m talking about athletics and sports. I’m talking about politics. I’m talking about houses of law. Institutions of law and justice. You’re going to see them shaken. Down to the ground…Our God is a consuming fire… When mankind tries to rule without God, it’s going to lead to catastrophe…when mankind tries to rule without God it’s going to come to nought and it will be a great crash…God is going to shake the entire earth…Yes, God’s going to shake America. He’s going to shake it like a sheep in the wind. He’s in the process of shaking it happening now, but it’s going to increase…There’s great shaking that’s coming and I say plural shakings there’s they’re going to be great. And great will be the fall of many things that we have known in American life. Great will be the fall of them. But I just want to reassure you. Get rid of everything out of your life that may remotely resemble something you may have worship other than to the Lord. Get rid of everything. And hold on to the cross. Because in the days to come when everything shakes, the only thing that won’t. Shake will be the cross.” John Kilpatrick, Pastor Church of His Presence
Scripture tells us that God is going to shake everything that can be shaken until that which remains is left. You will see the vision the Lord has given during the last approximately 90 days (about 3 months) of the shaking that is happening and how it is shaking everything, and everyone loose from all that we were holding on to that was not God. A shaking that is removing everything from our lives that hinders love. In this timely prophetic message, you will hear of some of the details that are starting to become more visible and the importance of preparing yourself spiritually, physically and in every way for what is ahead. You will also learn how the shaking that you are now experiencing will increase as God prepares the earth for Jesus returning to Rule for a 1000 years on David’s Throne in Jerusalem. You will learn how to withstand the shaking. For God shakes the earth to teach the people on the earth righteousness. If we allow God to accomplish in our lives through this shaking, which is to remove everything that hinders love, our purpose and life focus will become so clear as we behold our Lord, our soon coming King and prepare ourselves for the great harvest the ever-increasing shaking will bring. This is a vitally important message for the season of great shaking because if you are not aware you can be shaken right out of the kingdom of God as Peter tells us. “…Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” 2 Peter 3:17 Make sure you are physically prepared at PrepareNowGreg.com
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/825313919″ hide_video_title=”1″][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]An angel came and spoke specifically about America and what is to happen to America. Certain states are named and said their destiny is to burn. It was revealed that though America is one nation, God sees the states and their individual governments and personal choices as their own and judges them accordingly. He reveals that America will be attacked by China and Russia, how it will happen, why it will happen and what will happen to Taiwan, the American dollar, the division in America, Israel, nuclear consequences and so much more. It doesn’t seem like America will be over, but there will be a great loss of life and geographical turmoil and that it truly will never be the same, if this is to come to pass.
God is a merciful God, filled with compassion, wanting everyone to be saved. One of the ways He shows us His mercy is to warn us about trouble ahead and gives us a “grace period” to repent and/or prepare. He decided, as a merciful God, that He would do nothing unless He first reveals it to mankind, to us, through His prophets. When the people of the earth leave His ways and they do not respond to His warnings, He shakes the earth to teach citizens of the earth righteousness. It’s sad, but true, the fact that generation after generation of people, even those who claim to be His people say to themselves, ‘God’s warnings mean nothing, because it never happens. It’s been so long since He has warned us, and nothing has happened.’ Instead of seeing the gap of time, which often is decades, even centuries, but other times much less, as His mercy, giving us a chance to repent, and align our hearts and lives with His righteous ways, many say things like, “I’m tired of hearing about this warning. Stop telling me about it. I’m just going to live my life (in darkness) and let it just happen. I don’t want to know it’s coming.” On and on, the longer it takes, the darker they get, and the less faith they have, instead of choosing to repent, live a righteous life in Christ Jesus and strengthen their “measure” of faith. History shows people have abused, persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed those that God speaks His warnings to, the prophets, as the prophet shares to them what God made known to them. Every generation says, they’d never do what past generations did to God’s messengers, yet many who say this, do the same. God told the prophet Samuel, they are not rejecting you, when God’s people didn’t listen to God’s warning given through Samuel, “they are rejecting Me.”
This message is a warning of what is near [outside of God changing His mind, which He does when His people humble themselves, pray and repent of their sin] and it appears it is imminent.
God knows those who are His and can keep those who are His from difficult days of shaking, war, and judgment, but it is for His people to hear the voice of His Spirit and follow Him as true sons and daughters of God. This is how He protects those who are His, by speaking to us and telling us what to do, where to go, where not to go, how to prepare, what to say and when to say it. Jesus tells us, ‘My sheep know My voice and follow Me, they do not follow a stranger.’ God will save those who are His, but they will be saved “THROUGH the fire” as was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, not “FROM the fire.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ult_tab_element tab_style=”Style_6″ tab_animation=”Slide-Horizontal” tab_title_color=”#333333″ tab_background_color=”#42baff” tab_hover_title_color=”#999999″ tab_hover_background_color=”#e8e8e8″ acttab_title=”#1b98e0″ acttab_background=”#ffffff” tabs_border_radius=”0″ font_icons_position=”Left” icon_size=”18″ icon_color=”#1a1a1a” icon_hover_color=”#999999″ act_icon_color=”#1b98e0″ tab_describe_color=”#1a1a1a” enable_bg_color=”#ffffff” title_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” title_font_size=”desktop:18px;”][single_tab icon=”Defaults-pencil” title=”NOTES” tab_id=”1570475809108-3b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-book” title=”BIBLE” tab_id=”1570475809180-0b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwaWQlM0QlMjJpZnJhbWVCaWJsZSUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMSUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjY1MCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyNTAwJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYmlibGUuY29tJTJGYmlibGUlMkYxMiUyRmpobi4xLmFzdiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUwQSUwQSUyMA==[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-dollar usd” title=”GIVING” tab_id=”1570476095369-2-10b50a-330c”][us_separator][us_image image=”11446″ align=”center” size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fpushpay.com%2Fg%2Fgreglancaster%3Fsrc%3Dhpp|target:_blank”][us_separator][/single_tab][/ult_tab_element][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/821425087″ hide_video_title=”1″][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]Are you or someone you know facing a difficult time in life, such as job loss, business failure, family crisis, or other personal struggles that have left you feeling hopeless and even despairing of life itself? You are not alone. Many individuals have found themselves at this very point, questioning the meaning of their existence and the path ahead.
But there is hope and encouragement for you. It’s normal to experience a moment of crisis in life, especially when everything we’ve relied upon has crumbled around us, and the darkness seems all-consuming. This darkness can be so overwhelming that without intervention, it may even lead to thoughts of ending one’s life on earth.
This story of a former corrections officer who found himself in this very situation is one of hope and inspiration. In this message, you’ll discover how his life and means of income came crashing down, leading him to the brink of suicide. But through his journey, you’ll learn what stopped him and how his life and his family’s life transformed in an instant.
Remember, you’re not alone. This message is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for a better tomorrow.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ult_tab_element tab_style=”Style_6″ tab_animation=”Slide-Horizontal” tab_title_color=”#333333″ tab_background_color=”#42baff” tab_hover_title_color=”#999999″ tab_hover_background_color=”#e8e8e8″ acttab_title=”#1b98e0″ acttab_background=”#ffffff” tabs_border_radius=”0″ font_icons_position=”Left” icon_size=”18″ icon_color=”#1a1a1a” icon_hover_color=”#999999″ act_icon_color=”#1b98e0″ tab_describe_color=”#1a1a1a” enable_bg_color=”#ffffff” title_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” title_font_size=”desktop:18px;”][single_tab icon=”Defaults-pencil” title=”NOTES” tab_id=”1570475809108-3b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-book” title=”BIBLE” tab_id=”1570475809180-0b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwaWQlM0QlMjJpZnJhbWVCaWJsZSUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMSUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjY1MCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyNTAwJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYmlibGUuY29tJTJGYmlibGUlMkYxMiUyRmpobi4xLmFzdiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUwQSUwQSUyMA==[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-dollar usd” title=”GIVING” tab_id=”1570476095369-2-10b50a-330c”][us_separator][us_image image=”11446″ align=”center” size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fpushpay.com%2Fg%2Fgreglancaster%3Fsrc%3Dhpp|target:_blank”][us_separator][/single_tab][/ult_tab_element][/vc_column][/vc_row]