More on Social Media

Given the last post, the next logical question is "What can I do, as a parent?"

This is, of course, a very tricky question, as we knowing parenting teenagers is tricky in general. But, I have found that teenagers do best when things are simply explained to them in straightforward terms. Especially once a teenager has developed an eating disorder, it is common to walk on eggshells around them, never knowing when the next explosion might occur...whether that is an explosion of anger, or tears. 

But, as a professional, I never tiptoe. I just don't. And I have found that all clients, teens included, appreciate this the vast majority of the time. Teens are looking for direction. Sure, they want to believe they know all the things, but in the end, they also seek guidance from trusted adults. So, my suggestion is this:

First, explain what you have learned about social media and what they might have been exposed to. The response to this will vary, I'm sure, based on the stage of recovery from the eating disorder. Those later in recovery might easily volunteer what they have been exposed to, while those more protective of the eating disorder might deny. They might want the continued exposure, so they can learn ways to improve their eating disorder behaviors. 

I'm guessing I don't need to say a lot about what to do if your teen is open about what they have experienced. Listen to what they have to say, and then ask them how they want to respond, rather than telling them what they should do. We all know that works better with teenagers, and humans in general.

If they are resistant, that probably is answer in and of itself; it likely means they are guarding the information on their social media. At that point, you have a couple options: 1) keep trying to talk to them, or 2) notify their treatment team. Reality is, sometimes teenagers are more willing to talk calmly to their treatment team than their parents, unfortunately.

As I stated previously, right now, we don't know well enough what teens have been exposed to via social media, but it is likely that more and more of that information will become clear over the coming months. Remember, the majority of clinicians are not aware of this new information about social media exposure. Your child's providers will be better able to help as they are made aware of your child's specific exposures.