Some parents could be concerned after Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen's testimony before a senate committee. On Monday she said Facebook, which also owns Instagram, uses algorithms which could expose teenagers to dangerous content that could make them develop eating disorders.

"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." she said. "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."

The former Facebook employee said the company is aware of these issues, but won't make necessary changes. But mental health experts say, parents can still work to prevent children from becoming a victim of social media's harmful impacts.

Kerstin Trachok, the clinical director for Thrive Wellness said communication is key. She said it's important for parents to have open and honest conversations with kids and teens about social media and other problems they could be facing.

"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." Trachok said. "

The affects of social media isn't a secret, but mental health experts say it continues to be a problem that even adults face and it needs to be addressed.

"It is something that is so widespread, and it's been normalized as just being a part of people's lives but unfortunately when we normalize things that can be dangerous, we don't always think to have those tough conversations and look for the warning signs." Trachok added.

She said kids and teens are more susceptible to social media's negative influences because young people are in early stages of brain development. She referred to the human brains prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the brain located at the front of the frontal lobe. It is considered the "reasoning" area of the brain, and isn't completely developed until the age of 25 or later.

"Kids that are looking at these things," Trachok said referring to social media posts. "They don't have that ability to look at it and really rationalize what it means. And they might not understand, like, 'oh this might not be something that's real.' So they're really fueled by the emotional part of their brain, the amygdala. And so often times these things can be very instant and very triggering."

She added, "They are coming into their identity development and they're really trying to understand who they are and feel comfortable with themselves. As we know that's a very uncomfortable and very awkward stage of life, and so during that time they're going to be doing a lot of comparing themselves to other people."

Parents could start conversations with their children by bringing up their own social media habits. Then they could ask their children about their use and how it makes them feel. Experts say it's also important to remind a child and teen that social media is full of unrealistic images. If necessary experts add, parents should monitor their child's screen time, and be aware of the content they are viewing.

The clinical director for Thrive Wellness said all of the practices and conversations starters mentioned are important, and will help families avoid negative affects she has witnessed first hand.

"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."

Thrive Wellness provided signs to look out for, for possible eating disorders. It said if a child is more conscious about their eating habits and dieting, talking about their weight and wearing baggy clothing, or they seem angry or said, that could be a sign. Parents are encouraged to seek help and talk to a child's doctor or mental health professional if needed.