Social media is becoming an all-encompassing force in the lives of our children. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat allow them to be connected with their friends nonstop throughout the day. As a parent, it can be difficult to feel like they’re ever really engaging with you when their eyes are constantly scanning the screens of their phones. Sometimes I want to throw the phone of my seemingly app-addicted teen right out the window!

While social media shouldn’t be painted as being all bad, it does have it’s drawbacks. For instance while it may be a way for teen to connect with their friends, it is also a way for them to be unengaged with those right in front of them. Social media also sets a high standard of expectations. Our teens see the perfect outfit, the perfect hair or make-up, and find themselves feeling as though they are falling short somehow.

How do you deal with the frustrations of having an app-addicted teen?

The infographic below, by TeenSafe.com, shares a closer look at an average day in the life of a teenager.

Perhaps having more information on how they’re spending their time on their mobile device will give you something to connect with them about. Although when my kids see me using hashtags and snapping selfies, I would probably become the coolest mom on the block.