Kids, Screens, and Social Media
From TikTok and YouTube to Netflix and Disney+, there are a lot of entertainment choices vying for our attention. If we as parents are susceptible to it imagine how much more impressionable our kids are. They live in a perpetually digital world, so it’s important to know what they’re watching, how they’re interacting with it, and how it affects them.
It’s no secret that social media has a massive impact on our kids’ lives. Whether it’s Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or YouTube, most of what our kids consume comes from social media. Studies show that 64% of tweens—kids ages 8-12—watch online videos every day. Sixteen percent of teenagers reported using TikTok constantly, and YouTube was the top online platform in 2022, with 95% of teens using the site.
While social media has its benefits—connection with friends and family, life hacks, DIY projects—it can also lead to lower self esteem, cause behavioral problems and social anxiety, and decreased attention spans. Kids 8-12 years old are spending four to six hours per day using some kind of a screen.
Everything is after our kids’ attention—trendy shows, the latest TikTok trend, curated “day in the life” videos, and more. What they consume—if not monitored properly—can lead to comparison, shame, and overall mental health issues. While most of the data is reflective of tweens and teens, this type of content is still seeping into the lives and brains of our even younger kiddos. Let’s face it, toddlers today can operate an iPad better than the average adult!
So, if kids—especially young kids—are going to be on screens, they might as well be watching something meaningful and life-giving. That’s why we created “The Garden”—to give parents like you peace of mind when it comes to what your kiddos are watching. “The Garden” is a faith-based cartoon that includes bible stories, original songs, and quirky memorable characters that your kids—and you—will be sure to enjoy.
The best part? The Garden App launch team is available to join NOW! You'll get a free curriculum, free episode to stream and access to our private Facebook community when you sign up. All we ask is you share our App when we go live with your community!