Flowood: 601.939.5993 | Southaven: 662.349.2818 | Biloxi: 228.385.7744

How do you teach your child to live in a digital world you didn’t grow up in? Elementary, middle
and high school students are of this digital-driven generation; they have been exposed to it their entire lives and do not remember a time without it. No one cares more about your child’s
well-being and safety more than you do. Guiding our kids not just in the real world applications but also in the virtual is just as important. While we know, technology is here to stay, as well as
advance, it is better to arm our kids with the knowledge to navigate this digital world safely and
responsibly.

Technology can be empowering for kids of all ages, it is not always a scary place. When we look at some of the positive ways that technology can affect our lives we can see the benefits it can provide. Social media has been a tool used to help keep us in touch with friends or family from a far, as well as, creating online identities, communicate with others and build social networks.

These networks can provide our kids with valuable support, especially helping those who
experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses. However, social media use can also negatively affect our kids, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to
bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure. Therefore, it is important that we encourage responsible usage. Some ways we can do this is by setting responsible limits of usage monitor and let your children know you will be monitoring their accounts, and explaining what is ok and what is not ok.

The worldwide web gives us a wealth of information at our fingertips. Start the safety
conversation early and speak about it often. Remind kids that what goes online stays online and that they should never share personally identifiable or sensitive information. Children who are used to talking about what they do online are more likely to tell someone if they are worried or upset by something they experience.

At this age, your kids might be begging for a phone of their own, since it is likely some of their
friends have them. Nevertheless, just because all the other kids have a phone does not mean your child is ready for one. Things you will want to consider before buying them phones:

  • Are they responsible with their belongings?
  • Will they follow your rules around phone use?
  • Can they be trusted to use text, photos and video responsibly?

You will need to check your child’s maturity level here and consider your family’s values. There’s no magic age number, but most experts recommend waiting as long as you can to delay kids’ exposure to online bullies, child predators, sexting and the distractions of social media.

Understanding our kids and technology can seem a little overwhelming. Pyscamore is here to
help. Call us or visit us online today for more information on ways we can help you and your
family. 601-939-5993/ www.psycamore.com

Our Clients Say:

As an older person who just lost a job, I needed some mental stability and help to think clearly about the future. I was depressed and felt alone. Psycamore staff was empathetic and very helpful […]

James Abernathy

RESTORING HEALTH RENEWING HOPE

how do i help my childs mental health

5 Tips to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

By:

Mental health is as vital as physical health, and like caring for a child’s physical well-being, it’s essential to prioritize mental well-being too. Just as you are committed to your child’s overall health, our team […]

benefits of family therapy near me

Benefits of Family & Couples Therapy

By:

Life is complex and sometimes the challenges it presents can take a toll on our mental health and our relationships. Seeking therapy can be a transformative step toward healing and growth during these difficult times, […]

anxiety treament

How to Manage & Treat Anxiety 

By:

Anxiety can often feel like an overwhelming condition, leaving you exhausted, hopeless, and feeling helpless. if left unaddressed, it can wreak havoc on your life. We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone in […]

cognitive behavioral therapy jackson ms

What Conditions Can CBT Treat?

By:

Many of us find ourselves making poor choices and displaying negative behaviors that have been unconsciously guided by our thoughts and feelings. We make decisions that do not serve us, or even that outright harm […]

help for mental health

How to Get Treatment for Mental Health Issues

By:

Recognizing and addressing mental health issues can be a daunting task, yet seeking professional treatment is essential for recovery and maintaining overall well-being. Finding the right treatment provider and understanding the steps involved in accessing […]