evening forecast <it “)s just like cigarettes. teens don “)t have good self-regulation. they say i feel bad when i use instagram, but yet i can “)t stop.”> <kids are saying “)i am unhappy when i use instagram and i can “)t stop. if i leave, i “)m afraid i “)ll be ostracized.” > facebook whistle blower frances haugen testified before a senate committee yesterday — saying the social media giant — which also owns instagram — uses algorithms which could expose teenagers to dangerous content that could make them develop eating disorders. the former facebook employee says the company is aware of these issues — but won “)t make the necessary changes. she says parents also struggle to help kids cope with the negative impacts of social media. michelle lorenzo is live in the studio with some tips for us. michelle– what can parents do? first and foremost ari and kristen– experts say communication is key. they say– it “)s important to have an open and honest conversation with kids and teens– about social media– and other problems they could be facing. <kerstin trachok, thrive wellness reno, clinical director, “unfortunately a lot of times kids are too afraid to ask important questions, and parents are too afraid to say they don “)t know but having that conversation can open it up to understand if they might need more help.”> you can start by talking to your kids about your own social media habits. and then– ask them about their use– and how it makes them feel. it “)s also important to remind your child– that social media is full of unrealistic images. experts also suggest– setting reasonable limits in front of a screen. and encourage a bedtime routine– that avoids the use of devices. the clinical director for thrive wellness tells us– these are all important practices and conversations to have– to avoid social media “)s negative affects– that she has seen first hand. <kerstin trachok, thrive wellness reno, clinical director, “especially because of the pandemic, we saw a huge rise in suicidal ideation and eating disorders as well in teens and children, and a lot of that has been coming from the fact that they “)ve been spending more time on social media.”> if you think your teen is experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety– depression– or other issues related to social media– you are encouraged to talk to a doctor. tonight at 5 we “)ll show you how you can identify some of those signs. covering the story live in