Answer for NRS 420 Illustrate the nurse’s role and specific actions that the nurse can take in addressing this area of concern in adolescents Re: Topic 3 DQ 1

There is evidence that social media is linked to mental health issues in teens. Constant exposure can lead to feeling inadequate, stressed and lonely. They are exposed to cyberbullying; it can disrupt their sleep leading which is so important for teens physical and mental development. It distracts them from doing what they are supposed to such as homework, activities and other responsibilities. It can affect the development of real-life social skills, and social media can affect their self-esteem and body image since everything is idealized online. It can have benefits as well such as getting them in touch with others that have things in common with them so they can see they are not alone and helping to boost their self-confidence. It can help develop social skills in teens who are introverted and may not normally interact with others. Social media is a free environment where they can interact without much hesitation (Gongala, 2024).

Parents need to make sure they are monitoring social media and are setting time limits for on their use and there are apps and phone settings that can help control screen time and what platforms they are allowed to get on. Parents need to also have discussions with their kids about what is expected and what is and is not appropriate (Teens and Social Media Use: What’s the Impact?, 2024). They need to be aware of online predators and the chance of being exploited and that not all is as it seems online.

Gongala, S. (2024, March 12). 13 Positive and Negative Influences of media on Teenagers. MomJunction. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/positive-and-negative-influences-of-media-on-teenagers_00107975/

Teens and social media use: What’s the impact? (2024, January 18). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437