Social Media and Kids

July 16, 2026 - 08:33

A recent podcast episode has brought together hosts Hula Ramos and Lily Arreguin alongside parenting expert Dr. Kim Van Dusen to address the growing concerns around social media and its effects on children. The discussion focused on practical strategies for keeping kids safe online while also examining how platforms like Instagram and TikTok can influence mental health.

Dr. Van Dusen emphasized that parents often feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of digital trends, but she stressed the importance of open communication rather than outright bans. "It's not about taking the phone away," she said. "It's about teaching kids to recognize when they're being manipulated by algorithms or when comparison culture is hurting their self-esteem."

The hosts shared personal anecdotes about their own children's screen time habits, highlighting the challenge of balancing supervision with trust. Lily Arreguin noted that many parents struggle to keep up with new apps and hidden features, while Hula Ramos pointed out that kids often feel pressured to maintain a perfect online image.

The episode also covered warning signs of cyberbullying and anxiety linked to social media use. Dr. Van Dusen advised parents to watch for changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from family activities, or secretive behavior around devices. She recommended setting consistent boundaries, such as no phones during meals or after a certain hour, and modeling healthy digital habits as a family.

As social media continues to evolve, the conversation underscored the need for ongoing education and support for both parents and children navigating this complex landscape.