A recent survey of parents of young children in the US suggests that social media is increasingly becoming the go-to source for parenting advice, covering topics from health and nutrition to behavior and learning. Despite being aware of the potential for inaccurate information, more and more parents are turning to these platforms for guidance.
Conducted by the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital, the national poll reveals that social media has become an increasingly popular source of information and advice for parents of young children. The survey involved 614 parents with at least one child aged 0 to 4, showing that four in five parents turn to social media for parenting information and to share their experiences. This marks a “significant increase” compared to a similar survey conducted in 2015, the researchers explain in a news release.
Fast, accessible, practical…
The survey also pinpointed the most commonly discussed topics on social platforms, such as potty training, children’s sleep, nutrition or breastfeeding, discipline, vaccinations, and childcare. Mainly, parents turn to social networks to benefit from different points of view, with a smaller proportion citing the practical nature of these platforms. The survey found that many parents find them useful for feeling less isolated, learning from the experiences of others, and getting advice on whether or not to buy certain products. However, it is important to note that for health-related questions, seeking the advice of a qualified professional is recommended.
“Many parents turn to online communities to exchange advice or discuss parenting challenges because it may seem faster and easier than asking a health professional,” said Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, quoted in a statement.
“Finding parent camaraderie in this space can have benefits but parents should keep in mind that every family’s experience is different and not everything they hear online may be accurate or the right thing for their child.”
… but not always reliable
One notable concern among parents is the phenomenon of “sharenting,” which involves the sharing of personal information or images of children on social media. This practice raises privacy issues and prompts concerns about privacy settings, over-sharing, revealing too much personal information, sharing false or misleading information, and inappropriate photos.
“Families should consider whether their child may one day be embarrassed about having personal information shared without their consent; a good rule is if you have any doubt, don’t share it. In addition, parents should consult with parents of other children in photos for approval before sharing them on social media,” says Sarah Clark.
When it comes to social networking, it’s important to identify what’s true and what’s false, especially when it comes to children’s issues. Some 40% of parents find it difficult to distinguish between good and bad advice, particularly first-time parents.
“Social media is a convenient way for parents to seek information about parenting challenges in real time, especially in between checkups. But it’s important that parents identify reputable sources of information about children’s health and parenting, and that they consult those sources before attempting new strategies with their own child,” the poll co-director concludes. – AFP Relaxnews
