WASHINGTON — Across the United States children are using social media at unprecedented levels. But is it becoming too much and too dangerous?

It's part of a national conversation over the safety of children online. The CEO's of social media companies were grilled on capitol hill yesterday over their part in failing to protect kids on their platforms.

But there are some things you can do to protect your kids. 

Lori Gowland, a mom of 4 said, "This YouTube kids, you start watching one show and then it totally does not filter what they watch. Then they're watching something about... not birth, but an animated thing. You're just like, okay."

Gowland's children, alike many fall victim of the unregulated internet. Because of this U.S. senators called in some of the main social media companies demanding they acknowledge the issue. 

"In the existing body of scientific work has not shown a casual link between using social media and young people having worse mental health outcomes," said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta during yesterday's hearing.

But not all agree with his statement. Nicholas Norman is a clinical social worker for Mindful Therapy Group.

"Ironically were more connected than we have ever been, but we are lonelier than we have ever been," said Norman, adding, "You know, what we're seeing is that there is a correlation with lowered self-esteem. A lot of this is being attributed to comparison that's happening."

Norman emphasized, social media mostly shows unrealistic perfection. Which is dangerous for kids developing to aspire to. Gowland adding, "The problem is with that it's not real, we all know what's real."

Which is a main issue Gowland struggles to help her kids identify. But she does have one recommendation for others in her situation.

"You should be aware of everything your kid is watching on the Internet. And I know it takes time, but scroll through their screens, look at things, and lock it down if need be. I know some parents don't have that option because they don't have the time, and you know what? You're doing the best you can with what you can," said Gowland.

Along with what Gowland mentioned, here are a few things you can do now.

First have honest conversations about what they are consuming online. Secondly use tools on platforms that censor and control what content your kids see. Third as a parent try to understand how they view social media which can be very different from how you do. Finally, always remember to set a good example of media habits for your kids to follow. 

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