5 tips for young people’s mental health online

UNICEF took intiative on sharing helpful information on how to take care one's mental health. If your family is stuck at home during this COVID-19 pandemic, it's likely that your children are spending a lot more time on the internet. School, chats with friends and family, even parties — so much has shifted online.

Being connected is important because it helps all of us, especially our children, continue with our lives. But browsing through our feeds can lead to stress, and make one feel envious, lonely or anxious.

To help, here are some tips on looking after your child's mental health and being more kind to people online.

Keep safe and healthy!

1

AVOID DOOMSCROLLING

Identify why you are on social media anf how it makes you feel can help you set the right personal limits. While it's not realistic to unfollow or report everything that affects you negatively, your could try muting or limiting accounts. Remeber that not everything you see online is real, even from your friends, but how it affects you is.

2

BE MINDFUL

There are loads of resources and communities that can support your wellbeing — from meditaion apps platforms where you can develop your sense of identity. Follow accounts that are inspiring and informative, like scientists, cooks, athletes or other your people speaking up on the issues you care about.

3

STAY SAFE ONLINE

Check privacy seetings. Be carful when signing up to apps and services, especially providing your name, address or photo. If you are concerned about something you have seen or experienced, talk to a trusted adult, report the incident on the platform and for more support, contact child helpines or online safety services in yout country.

4

CHOOSE KINDNESS

Reach out to let someone know you're thinking of them or add positve comment on a post they've shared. If you find yourself responding to a message or post with something negative, pause and consider whether you could frame it in another way.

5

STAY PRESENT AND CONNECTED IRL

Do you ever find yourself interrupting that you are doing so you can post it online or scrolling through your friend's posts rather than calling to see how they are doing? It's important to take a break from social media and directly connect with friends and family, safely.


Let us know how these simple but important tips helped you. Comment down your thoughts below!

<source: http://ngo.sgsupport.asia/>