Commentary: Summer is a Good Time for Parents to Talk to Teens About Phones, Social Media

It’s summertime, which means kids have lots of free time for sports, sun, and yes, screens. That means it’s also a good time for parents to talk to their children about the smart use of phones and social media.

In 2022, the Pew Research Center surveyed American teenagers and their parents about social media. A whopping 95% of teens reported using social media, with a third of them using it “almost constantly.” First, the good news: A majority felt that social media helps teenagers feel more accepted (58%), connects them to others for support during tough times (67%), provides a creative outlet (71%), and connects them to what’s going on in their friends’ lives.

To read the full op-ed in Savannah Morning News, click here.