It almost seems impossible to run into someone who doesn’t use social media, especially a young person. In 2023, a study of more than 1,400 teens showed that nearly half are almost constantly online.1 Social media sites like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are among the most popular platforms for teenagers. But among the surge in social media usage is the surge of mental health issues among teens. But how does social media affect teens? How deeply is it impacting their mental health?
Depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other mental health conditions are affecting teens more than ever. Family First offers adolescent mental health treatment when your family needs support. Call 888.904.5947 to get help from our team in South Florida.
The Effects of Social Media on Teens
The internet and social media are constantly changing. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how these platforms impact teens today since some of the most in-depth research was conducted on earlier versions of these apps. Today’s teens are engaging with the most advanced social media products ever, designed to keep users on their devices for as long as possible.
While the reasons why social media impacts teens today vary and are still under debate, one thing is certain: prolonged social media use negatively affects mental health.2
- Self-esteem – Constant comparison with others on social media can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and confidence, especially when users see curated versions of their peers’ lives.
- Cyberbullying – Social media has become the breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have serious impacts on mental health.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO) – The constant scrolling through social media feeds can lead teens to feel like they’re always missing out on something or not living up to expectations.
- Sleep disruption – Late-night social media use is a common habit among teens, leading to sleep deprivation, which can contribute to mood disorders and other mental health issues.
- Screen addiction – Not everyone who frequently uses social media has screen addiction, but many do. Compulsively checking notifications, feeling anxious when not on social media, and neglecting real-life responsibilities are signs of screen addiction.
Your teen’s social media use can also skew their perception of the world around them. Engaging in communities that reinforce a single belief without being exposed to differing viewpoints can lead to narrow-mindedness and intolerance.
Does Your Child Struggle with Social Media?
Recognizing when there’s a problem with your child’s social media use can be challenging. After all, it’s normal for teens to spend a lot of time on their devices and engage with friends online. But if you notice changes in your child’s behavior, it’s time to intervene. You may see:
- A decline in academic performance
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, aggression, or withdrawal
- Lack of sleep or sleeping too much
- Disinterest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy
- Changes in eating habits
Social media isn’t just a place for entertainment; it’s also often a way to fit in with others—especially if virtual spaces are the only available way to connect with their friends. Having open communication with your child about their social media use and setting boundaries can help prevent negative effects on their mental health.
How You Can Help
You may not be able to provide everything your teen needs to set healthier boundaries with social media, but you should be the first place they can turn for help. Let them know that they can come to you if they feel overwhelmed, bullied online, or just want to talk about their social media use.
Here are a few ways you can support your teen:
- Encourage them to have screen-free breaks and activities
- Talk to them about the dangers of cyberbullying and how to report it
- Set limits on social media usage, such as no devices in the bedroom at night
- Be a positive role model by limiting your own screen time and engaging in offline activities with your child
Ultimately, teens need guidance and support in navigating the ever-evolving world of social media. If their phone or laptop becomes the only thing they turn to for validation, entertainment, and social interaction, it’s a sign that their mental health may be at risk.
Call Family First Adolescent Services for Support
If your teen is struggling with mental health issues, including social media or screen addiction, Family First Adolescent Services can help. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, we are constantly looking for leading-edge therapies that will help your teen explore their deep-rooted issues to find a better way forward.
We offer a residential program for boys 13–18 that provides 24/7 support. Boys and girls in the same age group can get support in our day program. Family education and therapy are available at both levels of care. Get the help your family needs today. Call 888.904.5947 or complete our online form now.
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