Social Media and Teen Mental Health: What Every Parent Needs to Know
If you were to think of social media platforms you used as a teenager, you probably would be able to just list down a handful. In the present world, however, social media has evolved into gigantic digital arenas filled with traffic and glamour, with usage that is consistently increasing. This usage is mostly rampant amongst teenagers, with research claiming that up to 95% of children aged 13-17 are using a social media platform, with more than a third using it almost constantly. This is why it’s more important now than ever to understand the link between social media and teen mental health. And while it is true that social media has made our lives easier collectively, recipes, books, and information are all just a click away, its risk for adolescent well-being can not be ignored. As a parent, staying updated about the changing social media landscape is challenging, but very essential!!
The Link Between Social Media and Teen Mental Health
First things first, social media is just a tool! Its effects, both good and bad, are dependent on how we use it. The problem that we see in the current world is largely due to overuse and overdependence on social media. Most teens find themselves on one social media platform or the other ALL the time, which often blurs the line between their offline and online selves. They then use these platforms primarily for socializing, self-expression, and entertainment, even though there are multiple other real-world spaces where you can do just that. As a result, most of their identities, sense of self, and friendships are shaped by social media.
Social media has a big influence. Apps like Instagram may coerce teens into thinking that what they have isn’t good enough: their room isn’t as big, their iPhone isn’t the best, or their clothes aren’t as fancy. This constant comparison between themselves and the social world leads to depressive thoughts and a feeling of inadequacy that they’re unable to shake off. Instead of finding joy in the real world, teens start seeking validation online, which greatly affects their mental well-being.
In the realm of social media and teen mental health, the rise of algorithms on every social media platform shapes how children think and act. Negative content amplified through algorithms affects their thoughts. This contributes to their stress levels, hampers sleep, and ultimately compromises their overall mental health. For highly sensitive kids, these effects may be even more pronounced because of their ability to deeply feel all things.
Social Media and Teen Mental Health: What Research Says
Social media and teen mental health are closely intertwined. Research claims that it has the power to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social connections and peer support. Online friendships and sources of entertainment were also big stress relievers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But today, the vastly negative effects of social media on teen mental health are our greatest challenge. Children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media have double the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This was also evident from research wherein 46% of adolescents between the ages of 13-17 claimed that social media made them feel worse about their body image. Because teens are now spending more and more time on Instagram and TikTok, their real-life social interactions have declined. Though they are unaware of this, their social interactions are not a substitute for the warmth and love that connections in real time provide them. A study also confirms that there is a correlation between more time spent on social media and increased feelings of loneliness amongst adolescents.
Social Media and Teen Mental Health: Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is now a very common phenomenon in online spaces where technology is used to embarrass or even threaten another person. Amongst teenagers, it may look like rude texts, unwanted tagging in embarrassing posts, tweeting of someone’s personal information, or even targeted videos. While for some this may be fun and games, it can take a serious emotional toll on children, and they are thus more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Teens may even resort to self-harm and suicidal behaviour. So if your child feels uneasy about a certain friend or a specific online interaction, watch out!! To be able to help your child navigate through social media, you must know these subtler details that are missed and the emotional toll it takes.
Social Media’s Toll on Highly Sensitive Children
The link between social media and teen mental health is now widely established and supported by various studies. However, awareness regarding these effects on highly sensitive children is still scarce. For adolescents who feel everything more deeply than their peers, social media interactions can have profound effects. A negative comment may linger around for days and induce anxiety. One reel after another with its bright and loud visuals may contribute to sensory overload and result in mental fatigue.
Blue-light exposure from devices messes up their sleep time, which could upset their routine. Highly sensitive children also need quiet time and human connection, which helps them stay grounded and emotionally aware. But excessive use of social media takes this away from them, leaving them with stress and emotional dysregulation because of constant connectivity.
5 Warning Signs Parents Should Look Out For
Mood Swings and Irritability
It is totally normal for teens to display occasional mood swings!! But if you see them getting angry or tearful when it's time to put down the phone, then they most likely feel some sort of anxiety or dependency associated with their device.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
How well you sleep is highly reflective of your mental health. Teens who frequently spend a lot of time scrolling late at night may experience daytime drowsiness and chronic sleep disruption, which exacerbates mood disorders.
Withdrawal From Offline Activities Is your child skipping out on family dinners or club activities that they previously enjoyed? Then that is a danger sign! Teens find themselves so engrossed in the online space that they are able to readily give up on their in-person support. This makes them more vulnerable to isolation and low self-esteem.
Obsessive Checking Teens who feel the need to compulsively check their notifications are most likely trapped in a cycle of validation-seeking. More ‘likes’ or ‘views’ on their posts gives them an adrenaline rush that is not only short-lived but also emotionally and mentally disruptive in the long run.
Cyberbullying or Distorted Self-Image Watch out for hurtful comments on your child’s posts. If they suddenly refuse to share or take pictures, or engage in self-criticism such as ‘Nobody likes me’ then there are chances that they’re being bullied online. Cyberbullying can predispose them to a multitude of mental health conditions.
7 Ways to Support Teen Mental Health in the Age of Social Media
Open Dialogue
Create a judgment-free space where your teen feels safe enough to share both their positive and negative online experiences with you. Validate their feelings and be curious, because the more you know how they feel, the better you’ll be able to help them!
Partner up
Try to explore apps and platforms together with them. Watch fun TikToks or scroll through Instagram with them. Get to know what they like, what bothers them, and between all this, don’t forget to have some fun!
Negotiate Screen-Time
With teens, you have to be very careful when setting boundaries. Instead of imposing strict rules that might distance them from you, try establishing a plan with them that gives them online freedom but with healthy limits. Include agreements such as phone-free meals or device curfews on certain occasions.
Offline Hobbies
Help your child engage in habits that don’t require social media, such as painting, reading and music. This will not only counteract screen time but will also develop those soft skills that your growing child might need.
Tech Free Intervals
The perfect balance between social media and teen mental health can be established through detox time, where they don’t engage with a screen. Such as just right after waking up or before going to bed.
Mindfulness and Stress-Reducing Exercises
Use social media to help relieve stress! This can be in the form of podcasts that focus on teen mental health and mindfulness or meditation practices that can be found online.
Lead with Example
Even though teens may not always be ready to listen to you, they will most likely be influenced by what you do. Keep your phone away at dinner time and while having a conversation. It will empower them to do the same!
You’re not Alone!
Recognizing the complicated relationship between social media and teen mental health is the first step towards supporting your child’s emotional wellness. Once you understand these effects, you will be able to regulate the use of social media within your household much more effectively. Remember, every step you take toward open communication and healthy boundaries brings your family closer to lasting wellness, and RootedRhythm is here to support you every step of the way.
