Date

5-2024

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Human Development & Family Science

Abstract

This capstone project focuses on informing parents of the effects of social media on adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents are frequent users of social media as they are more likely to explore online content and be unaware of the potential dangers that can pose a threat to their mental health (Rapee et al. 2019). Due to social media being difficult to monitor at all times, along with advances in technology through school curriculums, we want to acknowledge its presence and usage. Social media allows the opportunity to connect with others digitally but there needs to be awareness of the potentially harmful effects of social media that can disrupt adolescents’ mental well-being, as they are more vulnerable to negative psychological outcomes. Social media may negatively impact adolescents ' psychological development which may result in adolescents developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or poor self body image. Parents may be unaware of the potential dangers but parents need to be educated on how to stay proactive when it comes to guiding their children through social media. The first topic will discuss the adolescent stage and how it differs from early adulthood. Secondly, they will find indicators of negative mental health through social media. Lastly, they will identify the resources and methods that promote positive mental well-being for an adolescent either online or offline. This project was presented to parents in a one-hour workshop session to educate them about mental health awareness and social media usage, whether or not their adolescents use social media. This will be made available to parents of adolescent-aged children via Zoom. The target age for participants will be for parents with children aged 12-17

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