Social media has become a parenting consultant for parents

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] A latest poll shows that almost all new parents today seek advice or knowledge about parenting through social media, such as common knowledge on feeding and nutrition of infants and young children, how to train children to use the toilet, and how to relieve stress. Crying toddlers, related toddler sleep issues, etc., because it seems faster and easier to find answers on social media than asking professionals. The way parents of the previous generation usually sought knowledge from books or sought advice from experts seems to be less adopted by modern young parents.

According to U.S. News, a survey conducted by the University of Michigan Health Center found that 80% of parents would seek advice from popular media forums, and nearly half believed that social media was very useful for seeking parenting knowledge or advice.

But researchers who conducted the survey said that new parents should review the advice or knowledge they receive to make sure it is correct before adopting it. Researchers say that while there are benefits to finding experienced parents in this area, parents should remember that every parent's experience is different and not all content is correct or appropriate for their child.

What are the most frequently asked parenting questions in this poll? Among them, the most common discussion items are toilet training and sleep problems (more than 40% each), nutrition and breastfeeding (nearly 40%), children's behavioral problems (more than 30%), vaccination issues (more than 20%), childcare and school age There are also more than 20% problems in preschool education and getting along with children.

Nearly 60% of parents said they wanted to hear other people’s opinions on social media. More than a third of parents said social media made them feel like they were getting help and helped them know what not to do. Some parents also said that social media can help them know what to buy and use. In addition, parents also said that social media can help them know when to take their children to see a doctor.

But experts say it's prudent for young children to consult a health care provider if they have any health or physical concerns. Experts recommend using telemedicine or seeking professional guidance through medical websites.

Although more and more parents are seeking advice on social media, nearly 80% of parents believe that some parents like to brag about their children and frequently share their experiences or opinions. And these parents may have unintentionally provided personal information that could identify their children's location or who they are. Nearly half of the people also said that some parents posted false information, and some even shared photos of their children's private parts.

Parents should consider whether their children will be embarrassed by the personal information they share that day, officials at the University of Michigan Health Center said in the news. He recommends thinking before sharing your child's information and not sharing it if you have any concerns.

Poll research also points out the problem of some parents sharing inaccurate information. 40% of parents think it is difficult to distinguish between good and bad advice on social media. When it comes to raising children, many decisions need to be made. Researchers say social media is a quick way for parents to seek immediate information about parenting issues. But it is important for parents to make sure the sources of information about children's health and parenting are correct and reliable. Before using information obtained from the community with your own children, you should review relevant and reliable information.

(Compiled by: Mulian)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)