Parents may need to be aware of allowing young kids access to Facebook

A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that more than 50 percent of teens visit a social media site, like Facebook, more than once a day, Parenting Magazine reports.

Officials told the news source that 30 percent of parents allow their pre-teen to create a page on Facebook, which prohibits anyone under age 13 to use the service. They added that because of the intensity of the online world, teens who spend much of their time online may be at risk for what is being termed Facebook depression.

Experts say that adolescence is a time for individuals to begin the separation process from their parents and start gaining the acceptance of their friends. Facebook allows them to accomplish both of these goals, but if online harassment occurs, depression may set in. This can result in a drop in grades as well as developing anxiety, pessimism and insomnia.

If parents see these symptoms in their children over a prolonged period of time, they may wish to explore boarding school options to give their teens a fresh start.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 11.2 percent of teens between ages 13 and 18 will have a diagnosable case of depression. Moreover, nearly 3.3 percent currently have a severe depressive disorder.