Title: Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents | American Academy of Pediatrics
Headings: Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents
This policy is a revision of the policy in
Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents
Abstract
Introduction
Media Use Patterns
Benefits of Media
Risks of Media
Media Influence
Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Online Solicitation
Social Media and Mental Health
Social Media and Privacy
Parent Media Use and Child Health
Conclusions
Recommendations
Pediatricians
Families
Researchers, Governmental Organizations, and Industry
Lead Authors
Council on Communications and Media Executive Committee, 2016–2017
Liaisons
Staff
Footnotes
References
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Subjects

Content: It is estimated that ∼12% of youth aged 10 to 19 years have ever sent a sexual photo to someone else. 44 The Internet also has created opportunities for the exploitation of children by sex offenders through social networking, chat rooms, e-mail, and online games. 45
Social Media and Mental Health
Research studies have identified both benefits and concerns regarding mental health and social media use. Benefits from the use of social media in moderation include the opportunity for enhanced social support and connection. Research has suggested a U-shaped relationship between Internet use and depression, with increased risks of depression at both the high and low ends of Internet use. 46,47 One study found that older adolescents who used social media passively (eg, viewing others’ photos) reported declines in life satisfaction, whereas those who interacted with others and posted content did not experience these declines. 48 Thus, in addition to the number of hours an individual spends on social media, a key factor is how social media is used. Social Media and Privacy
Content that an adolescent chooses to post is shared with others, and the removal of such content once posted may be difficult or impossible. Adolescents vary in their understanding of privacy practices 49; even those who know how to set