Kids younger than like 16 shouldn't be using social media. Even though this causes a fear of missing out, growing up with social media the way it is now does much more harm than good.

TW: self harm

Kids have already been growing up and self harming on or worse, but the rates of self harm and suicide is constantly going up. We can draw a lot of conclusions as to why, but I truly believe social media like IG, FB and Snapchat are at least contributing to this. Not saying it's why its happening, but it's definitely not helping.

When I grew up, we had MySpace but it wasn't like what social media is today, which a lot of times is used to post about how interesting a person is. Richer kids are able to do more, buy more and look like they are living a lot more exciting life than a less well off kid. Depression is a huge thing that is also going up, shit is fucked up in this world, but when you mix deep depression with developing hormones it's incredibly dangerous combo.

Social media isn't good for developing brains, the kids got enough on their plate already, they don't need to convince themselves they are worthless or not cool because they have other friends who are constantly out doing things, traveling, buying the newest shit, whatever. They don't need social media to feel that way but it amplifies it extraordinarily.

At the very least, monitor and limit their social media intake, put their phones away before bed time. Internet addiction is a real thing no one talks about either. The main thing is just encouraging more healthy habits and help your kid be active and no wallow away online all day everyday. My parents let me do that and I wish I was just out being a kid more. I still had a social life but I'd constantly give up hanging out with people I like because I'd just spend an unhealthy amount of time online