LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana (KPLC) – As technology advances, there are increasing concerns about the impact social media use is having on our youth.

“Children and adolescents are more dependent on technology, especially after COVID, than before,” said Dr. Michael Wright, director of psychiatric services at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

In the United States, 13 is typically the minimum age for using social media, but many children start earlier.

“Social media is in many ways designed to be addictive and to chase clicks and likes, and there are algorithms designed for engagement,” Wright said. “It can be difficult for children and teens to know when to stop or when to back off. That’s why parental involvement and setting boundaries on social media is so important.”

Dr Wright has worked in child psychiatry for 11 years and said the dopamine released by social media can trigger an addictive behavior pattern.

Doctors point out that children’s attention spans are getting shorter due to the increasing popularity of short content.

“A shortened attention span can affect performance in class,” Wright said. “It may be harder to motivate children than it used to be. Of course, school has always been a challenge for children and young people, but it is especially challenging in today’s world. Limiting social media use can help them concentrate longer in class.”

Wright advises educating the whole family about social media.

“Educating children and parents about the impact of social media on body image, self-esteem and perceived social status – all of these things can be exaggerated or distorted through the lens of social media,” Wright said.

So what signs should parents and guardians look for? Wright said when a child begins to use social media or technology excessively, they may notice a decrease in attention span or a decline in school performance. The child may also become irritable, experience mood swings or distance themselves from friends and family.

Wright said like many things, social media in moderation can be beneficial for children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics makes the following recommendations regarding children’s use of social media:

• Ages 2 and under – Avoid screen time completely
• Ages 2 to 5 – Only one hour of supervised screen time
• Ages 5 to 17 – No more than 2 hours per day, excluding homework.

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