GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

                                                                                                 ABSTRACT

The study assessed positive and negative effects of social media on child development. Social media is a dynamic and transformative concept that has revolutionized the way people communicate, connect, and share information in the digital age. It has both helpful and harmful effects on the social and emotional development of children. On the positive side, it provides opportunities for socialization, helping children connect with friends and family, fostering relationships, and allowing for emotional expression. However, it also exposes children to cyber bullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the fear of missing out, which can lead to negative emotional outcomes such as anxiety and low self-esteem. The study concluded that that the excessive and unmonitored use of social media can have detrimental effects on children's mental and emotional well-being, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Furthermore, it can contribute to issues like cyber bullying, privacy concerns, and a distorted sense of reality due to curated online personas. While it can offer access to educational content and diverse information sources, excessive screen time and potential distractions can hinder attention spans and academic performance of children.

KEYWORD: Social Media And Child Development.