Play Sports. Avoid Facebook Depression.

Lots of buzz this week about Facebook Depression, the catchy ailment that is just one of the pitfalls highlighted in a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families.  Additional comments from kids and specialists are in this article in the Globe and Mail. The AAP report isn't total negative on social media, highlighting both benefits as well as risks.  It also suggests how parents and pediatricians can participate to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.

Understanding how Facebook or other social media technology can skew a child's life is difficult because parents don't interact with their social circle on Facebook the same way or with the same intensity as their kids do (even if the parents are on Facebook).  I'm 'on Facebook' don't really use it.  I use Twitter and LinkedIn a lot more (which on the flip side, my kids don't see a need for), and these are more for listening, sourcing and sharing information than for posting status.

Intensity of use appears to be key.  Problems occur when the social media technology tool becomes the main conduit and hang-out for social interaction.  It's not just that Facebook or gaming or whatever the tech-enabled hangout presents a skewed view of the world, it's that such concentration and isolation can lead cause the child to seek help from only that source. Quoting from the AAP report (p.4), "...As with offline depression, preadolescents and adolescents who suffer from Facebook depression are at risk for social isolation and sometimes turn to risky Internet sites and blogs for “help” that may promote substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, or aggressive or selfdestructive behaviors..."

So the key is to be balanced and 'well-adjusted'.

And one big way that parents can help is to enable and encourage some other interest, away from texting or Facebook on smartphones. Play sports, or play music, dance, get involved in the community.

The important thing is to encourage expansion of experiences and kids' social circles in a variety of different ways, so that they'll find their passion, one that's fueled by their natural talents.

I'll bet passion always trumps depression, Facebook or otherwise.