On the Radar: Social Media Pressure, ‘Nudify’ Apps and Family Meals

Social Media Pressure Is the Worst Peer Pressure, Teens Say

What? According to a new study by Aura and Talker Research, 44% of kids between the ages of 11 and 17 feel peer pressure to be online or on social media—more so than they feel pressured to smoke or vape (31%), ditch class (28%), drink alcohol (24%), shoplift (13%) or commit vandalism (8%).

So What? More than half (56%) of those tweens and teens say that “they’ve felt left out by friends and peers because they weren’t in the same online groups or social media platforms as them.” And about a third (37%) admit that phones and social media posts “frequently cause arguments within their friend groups.”

Now What? When parents ask themselves why it’s so hard for teens to quit social media, addictive qualities aren’t the only culprits: Peer pressure is a strong factor in that desire to be online. But 59% of the adolescents surveyed also say that talking to family, friends and loved ones helps them manage the stress brought on by social media. So keep talking to your kids about social media—both what they like and don’t like about it, and how they can form healthy habits for its use.

Apple and Google Promoting ‘Nudify’ Apps on Their Stores

What? “Nudify” apps are photo editors capable of removing an image subject’s clothing (often powered by artificial intelligence). Major app stores Apple and Google have rules to ban these types of apps, but a study conducted by the Tech Transparency Project revealed that not only are these apps still available, but the app stores are running ads for them.

So What? Apple and Google both removed some of the apps after the report was shared with them, but certainly not all. More disturbingly, 31 of the apps discovered were rated “suitable for minors.”

Now What? When it comes to protecting your sons and daughters from these sorts of apps, the answer isn’t easy. Some perpetrators have used their peers’ yearbook photos to generate deepfakes, so even staying offline doesn’t guarantee safety. Talk to your kids about what may be happening among their classmates and peer groups. Encourage them to report any abuse of such apps. And remind your child of his or her inherent value.

Eating Together May Prevent Substance Abuse, Study Says

What? Studies show that shared family meals can help reduce the risk of substance abuse, disordered eating, violent behavior, feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide. But a new study from Tufts University says the quality of that mealtime is the most important factor.

So What? When parents created “an atmosphere of warmth, communication and genuine enjoyment of each other’s company”—i.e., not distracted by the TV or phones—the prevalence of youth substance abuse was reduced by 22-to-34%, the study said.

Now What? Researchers said it’s not about the quality of the food you eat—a meal could simply constitute “standing together at the kitchen counter, with one of you eating a banana”—but rather the quality of the time you spend together. So eat together if you can. But if you can’t, even 5 to 10 minutes of focused conversation daily—perhaps during a car ride or around bedtime—can help build your familial bonds and reduce your child’s risk.