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No, social media doesn't affect all teens in the same way. Its effects on their mental health depend on various factors, such as what they see and do online, how much time they spend online, and personal circumstances, such as cultural and social factors.
According to a 2022 survey of 12 to 17-year-olds, the top five social media platforms used are YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Based on 1,300 responses in a 2022 survey, about 35% of teens use at least one of five social media platforms more than several times daily.
Online profiles or even alternate identities can sometimes help teens who lack social support offline or are lonely. Additionally, groups are available for marginalized communities such as racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
Social media has many cons including that it can distract from homework, exercise, and family time.
According to a study that focused on 12 to 15-year-olds in the United States, spending three hours a day using social media was linked to a higher risk of mental health concerns.
Sleep is an essential part of daily life and getting enough of it is crucial, especially for young people. Many teens will spend hours scrolling social media instead of sleeping.
Social media can be a dangerous place where predators lurk, knowing that teens and children can be vulnerable. A predator might try to exploit or extort your teen.
Social media can become a place where your teen can witness rumors being spread or even do so themselves. Additionally, teens might see the internet and social media as a safe space when in reality they're not.
One rule you could choose to establish is to keep all devices out of bedrooms. Whether it's before sleep time or during the day, devices don't enter the bedroom.
It can be very important and useful to set rules regarding social media for your teen. Then your child will know what's expected from them.
Social media can influence teens in a lot of ways. It can lead them to believe biased or incorrect information that they see from influencers or peers.
Having a rule where your child has to first do their homework and earn the right to social media can help establish discipline in a teen.
Establish certain times during the day or evening when social media use is allowed. This will give your teen something to look forward to while limiting their intake.
Be a role model for your child. If you expect them to follow rules regarding social media then you should too.
If you notice that social media is causing your teen to challenge rules or your sense of what is appropriate then be sure to sit them down and have a heart-felt conversation about it.
The American Psychological Association recommends parents regularly review their child's social media use. An idea on how to do this is to "friend" or "follow" your teen's social accounts.
If you're concerned your teen is purposefully or accidentally sharing personal information online, turn on the privacy settings on their accounts.
It's important to remind your teen that gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying, or harming someone's reputation is always unacceptable.
For all teens, but especially those with social anxiety, it's important to encourage them to interact face-to-face and in person.
Having regular talks with your teen gives them a safe space to share how social media has been making them feel. It can also be an opportunity for them to discuss things they saw or experienced.
Though there are some positives, social media can be negative for children and teens because it can encourage constant comparison and can lead to poor body image and even loneliness.
See also: How endless scrolling through social media can make you sick (literally)
Social media affects a teenager's mental health by limiting the time spent in direct contact with another human being including peers and family. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Sources: (Child Mind Institue) (Mayo Clinic) (Yale Medicine)
Social media has a major influence on how teenagers interact with the world around them. For many teens, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide a space to connect with friends, share their creativity, and stay updated on trends. However, while some teens may find it empowering and uplifting, others may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or social pressure. The varying impact raises important questions about how much time teens spend online and how it affects their mental health and development. Understanding these differences is key to helping teens navigate the digital landscape safely and positively.
In Australia, however, lawmakers are moving towards a country-wide ban on social media for those under 16. If the proposed law comes into effect, it will put in place some of the strictest social media restrictions in the world. On Wednesday, November 27, the House of Representatives passed the bill with 102 votes to 13, now leaving it to the Senate to make the final decisions on the controversial law. Social media sites including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and X will all be forced to implement age restriction procedures, and there are debates about whether or not they will employ biometrics or ID verification to enforce the ban. Once the law is passed, these platforms will have one year to trial and implement the necessary measures. From that point onward, they face fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) for failure to comply.
The ban is controversial, with some youth rights groups arguing that it takes away basic freedoms for children. However, a recent YouGov survey shows that an overwhelming majority of Australians back the ban, with 77% expressing their support.
Curious about the impact of your teen’s social media usage? Click through to learn more now.
Australian government moves forward with social media restrictions for teens
Understanding how social media impacts teenagers
HEALTH Wellness
Social media has a major influence on how teenagers interact with the world around them. For many teens, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide a space to connect with friends, share their creativity, and stay updated on trends. However, while some teens may find it empowering and uplifting, others may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or social pressure. The varying impact raises important questions about how much time teens spend online and how it affects their mental health and development. Understanding these differences is key to helping teens navigate the digital landscape safely and positively.
In Australia, however, lawmakers are moving towards a country-wide ban on social media for those under 16. If the proposed law comes into effect, it will put in place some of the strictest social media restrictions in the world. On Wednesday, November 27, the House of Representatives passed the bill with 102 votes to 13, now leaving it to the Senate to make the final decisions on the controversial law. Social media sites including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and X will all be forced to implement age restriction procedures, and there are debates about whether or not they will employ biometrics or ID verification to enforce the ban. Once the law is passed, these platforms will have one year to trial and implement the necessary measures. From that point onward, they face fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) for failure to comply.
The ban is controversial, with some youth rights groups arguing that it takes away basic freedoms for children. However, a recent YouGov survey shows that an overwhelming majority of Australians back the ban, with 77% expressing their support.
Curious about the impact of your teen’s social media usage? Click through to learn more now.