Social media may be a problem for some teens, but online interaction that leads to friendships would be remarkably good for them. Simple bans aren’t going to have much of an impact, but giving kids opportunities to bond and make friends will. How do we do more of that?Â
The amount of courage and effort it took to tell you deserves more than a dismissive comment.Â
It all comes down to having safe, supportive, and involved adults (parents and others). Kids need that more than anything else. No social media or screen bans can replace that.Â
The stress of financial instability is not something that we can eliminate with positive vibes. Being on the verge of poverty or in poverty is a mental health risk factor unto itself. No self-help apps will provide for you if you’re laid off or prevent you from becoming homeless or hungry as the cost of living continues to outpace your income.Â
I’ve never been taken to mediation the way other people have. I don’t particularly like the experience. It makes me profoundly uncomfortable.
I don’t know why; I know it doesn’t seem to work for me. I wonder, however, if part of my issue is that I need to live with some low-level dissociation. Maybe I’m so used to being slightly detached that focusing my attention entirely inward is too much. It’s overwhelming. It’s too much of a risk.Â
That’s the winner right there. Kids who are not isolated or lonely and who know they are loved and supported are the ones who tell you about grooming behavior from the very start. They have adults they trust and are connected to people who are more likely to notice grooming and believe the child who reports inappropriate behavior.
That’s the best tool we have to prevent child sexual abuse.
