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FAQs: How does social media affect a teenager’s mental health? -

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)

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Does social media affect all teens the same? -

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.

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Is social media harmful? -

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.

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What are the top five social media platforms? -

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.

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How many teens are affected? -

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.

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How long before a teen is at risk? -

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. 

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Pros of social media for teens -

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.

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Cons of social media -

Social media has many cons including that it can distract from homework, exercise, and family time.

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Sleep disruption -

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.

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Biased or incorrect information -

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.

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Rumors and oversharing -

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.

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Forming views about others - Social media can lead teens to form views about other people's lives or bodies that aren't realistic.

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Exposure to predators -

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.

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Cyberbullying - Social media can expose teens to cyberbullying, which can in turn raise their risk of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression.

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Protecting your teens and setting rules -

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.

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Keep devices out of the bedroom -

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.

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Homework first -

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.

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Certain times only -

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.

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Pro-tip -

Be a role model for your child. If you expect them to follow rules regarding social media then you should too.

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Manage any challenging behaviors -

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.

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Turn on privacy settings -

If you're concerned your teen is purposefully or accidentally sharing personal information online, turn on the privacy settings on their accounts.

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Monitor your teen’s accounts -

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.

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Have regular talks with your teen about social media -

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.

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Explain what’s not OK -

It's important to remind your teen that gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying, or harming someone's reputation is always unacceptable.

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Encourage face-to-face interactions with friends -

For all teens, but especially those with social anxiety, it's important to encourage them to interact face-to-face and in person.

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Serious warning signs - Two prominent warning signs your teen is using too much social media are that they use it even when wanting to stop. Additionally, they use it so much that school, sleep, activities, or relationships suffer.

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More serious warning signs - If your teen often spends more time on social platforms than you intended or even lies to use social media, these are definitely causes for concern.

See also: How endless scrolling through social media can make you sick (literally)

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