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The Health Tech Up
What You Need To Know About Teens and Screens
By: Lisa Chang
Let’s face it, our teens are growing up “onlife,” where the lines between their digital and real worlds are increasingly blurred. Screens are not only unavoidable; they’ve become the default. From school to social life to entertainment, teens are logging at least 5 to 7 hours per day on social media alone. A staggering 87% of that time is spent on the “big four”: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
However, while social media can be a source of connection and creativity, we can’t ignore the growing body of research that highlights the risks associated with excessive use. Teens who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media are at double the risk of experiencing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, poor body image, and disrupted sleep—an essential ingredient for emotional regulation and cognitive development.
So, what can we do? As parents, our role isn’t to eliminate tech from their lives (not realistic), but to take an active role in helping our teens develop balanced, thoughtful, and informed digital habits. Here’s how to future-proof your teen in a digital-first world:
1. Set Clear Boundaries Around Screen Time
Boundaries are essential, and consistency is everything.
• Establish device-free times, such as during meals or an hour before bedtime.
• Create a “digital curfew” where all screens are shut off before bedtime.
• Lead by example: Phones away during dinner, and so does your phone too.
2. Model the Behaviour You Want to See
Our kids notice everything. If we’re glued to our phones, they’ll follow suit.
• Be transparent about your digital habits, even if they’re work-related.
• Do screen audits together: review what content you’re following and why.
• Show how you take breaks and curate your feeds to support your wellness.
3. Keep the Conversation Open
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to start talking.
• Ask about their online experiences—what they enjoy, what stresses them out.
• Normalize conversations around cyberbullying, digital overload, and “brain rot.”
• Discuss how what we consume affects our emotions, self-image, and sleep.
4. Help Curate a Healthier Feed
Teens don’t always realize how much power they have over their algorithm.
• Encourage them to follow accounts that promote mental health, positivity, and creativity.
• Teach them how to unfollow or mute content that makes them feel inadequate.
• Remind them: social media is a highlight reel, not real life.
5. Teach Digital Literacy Like a Life Skill
Being tech-savvy isn’t just about knowing how to post. It’s about critical thinking.
• Talk about the rise of AI-generated content, deepfakes, and misinformation.
• Help them spot fake news, recognize manipulated images, and understand how filters can warp self-perception.
• Ask them questions: “Do you think that’s real?” “How does that make you feel?”
6. Use Parental Controls – And Talk About Why
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t give your child the keys to a car without lessons.
• Know where your teen spends time online, it’s about protection, not spying.
• Monitor app usage, content restrictions, and privacy settings regularly.
• Explain that you’re doing this with them, not against them.
Spotlight: Snapchat’s Built-In Safety Tools
Snapchat remains one of the most popular platforms among teens, and it’s worth knowing how it works especially the features designed for safety. Here are a few that every parent should be aware of:
• Pop-up warnings when a teen receives messages from unknown or unverified contacts.
• Friending protections that block requests from users without mutual friends.
• Suspicious account alerts that flag chats from potentially dangerous sources.
• Snap Map location sharing is off by default and can only be shared with friends, not the public.
• Family Center gives parents visibility into who their teen is talking to (without seeing the actual content), lets you review their friend list, and gives access to safety settings.
Visit Snapchat’s Parent Portal for a full overview of tools and tips.
Pro Tip: Always encourage private accounts, and suggest handles that don’t include real names.
7. Foster Offline Passions and Face-to-Face Connections
Help your teen develop a strong sense of identity beyond the screen.
• Support hobbies like sports, music, photography, or volunteering.
• Schedule regular IRL time with family and friends, no devices allowed.
• Remind them (and yourself): the most meaningful moments in life are unfiltered.
Digital life isn’t going away, and honestly, we don’t want it to. Tech can be empowering, connective, and fun. But we have to be intentional. Let’s model balance, prioritize conversations, and equip our teens to thrive both online and off. After all, it’s not just about screen time, it’s about life time. Follow my new YouTube channel for more.
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