The Impact of Social Media on Children and Adolescents

Social media has become a central part of daily life for children and adolescents. While these networks offer opportunities for connection and learning, their effects on young people’s mental health and development are complex and multifaceted. We are all familiar with the common trope that teenagers live through their phones, but it may shock you to know that nearly half of all children in the United States have social media by age 12. It makes it clear that as digital natives, today’s youth are constantly engaged with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The real question is: What is this doing to their well-being? 

The Negatives 

Mental Health Concerns 

One of the most significant concerns is the impact of social media on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Social media platforms often promote unrealistic lifestyles and beauty standards, opening the door for negative body image and self-esteem issues from a young age. The constant comparison to heavily filtered, idealized images can cause a sense of not being good enough to compete with societal standards, especially for adolescents who are already facing the challenges of building their own identity. 

Cyberbullying and Peer Pressure 

The anonymity and reach of social media makes it easier for cyberbullying to flourish. Children and teens can be targeted by their peers in ways that are hard to escape. In past generations, bullying took place mostly inside and around the physical school. Kids would often take reprieve from the harmful behavior in their “safe spaces” outside of school. Today’s youth is constantly connected, making it next to impossible to get away from the noise of bullies, even in the comfort of spaces that used to be “safe,” like inside the home. The inability to disconnect can make kids feel like there is no end to the harassment, which can lead to harmful thoughts. Another negative of constant connection is that social media can amplify peer pressure. Young people may feel compelled to conform to trends or behaviors they see online, even when they are outwardly dangerous, unhealthy, or wrong. 

Academic and Social Disruption 

Spending a lot of time on social media can distract from schoolwork and face-to-face social interactions. The constant interruption caused by endless phone notifications makes it harder for young people to engage deeply with tasks or build real-world social connections. The lack of ability to pay attention to the world around them puts students at a disadvantage. Research has shown that high social media usage can interfere with sleep, concentration, and academic performance. These problems can lead to worsening of other potentially underlying disorders like depression and anxiety. 

A Positive 

Building Communities and Advocacy 

While social media usage can pose significant risks to adolescents, it’s not all negative. Social media also provides a platform to express themselves, connect with like-minded peers, and engage in activism. For many, it is a space to find support, share experiences, and build self-confidence, particularly for those in marginalized groups. 

The Takeaways 

Parental Guidance and Healthy Habits 

As parents and guardians to adolescents, you can play a vital role in mitigating the negative effects of social media. Encouraging healthy digital habits, setting up usage time limits, and opening a line of communication about online experiences can help children navigate the digital world more responsibly. Education about privacy settings, online safety, and the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities is key to promoting healthier relationships with social media. 

How to Support Your Child's Healthy Relationship with Social Media 

What Do Healthy Limits for Social Media Usage Look Like? 

• Time Limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to two hours or less per day for children over 6. Use parental control apps to track and set limits on social media usage if necessary. Aim for a balance of about one hour per day on social media for younger children and two hours for teenagers. This time should be split between different activities like chatting with friends, watching educational content, or browsing for interests. 

• Purposeful Use: Encourage your child to use social media for specific reasons, such as staying in touch with friends or participating in educational groups. Avoid allowing aimless scrolling, which can lead to unhealthy comparisons and self-esteem issues. 

• Social Media Curfews: Set curfews for social media use, ensuring that your child has no access to screens at least one hour before bed. This helps protect their sleep cycle and reduces the risk of overthinking or negative emotions late at night.  

Prevent Unhealthy Social Media Use: 

• Set Clear Boundaries Early: Consider setting limits on when and how often your child can use social media. Whether that means limiting social media use to two hours a day or having a blackout period around meals or bedtime, discuss these boundaries openly with your child and make sure they understand why these rules are in place.  

• Encourage Offline Activities: Provide opportunities for your child to engage in activities that do not involve screens, such as playing outside, reading, or spending time with friends in person. Help your child recognize the importance of taking breaks from social media, especially after intense online activity. Schedule regular “offline days” or designated times to unplug and engage in non-digital hobbies. The more they experience fulfilling offline activities, the less likely they are to rely heavily on social media for entertainment. 

• Model Healthy Habits: As a parent or guardian, your own behavior sets the tone for your child's relationship with technology. Set up areas in the home that are free from screens, like the dining room or bedrooms, to encourage more face-to-face interaction and quality family time. Be mindful of your own screen time and prioritize face-to-face interactions to show your child that it is possible to have a healthy balance between online and offline life. 

What to Do If You Think Your Child Has an Unhealthy Relationship with Social Media: 

• Open the Conversation: If you notice signs that your child may be struggling with social media use, such as becoming anxious, withdrawn, or distracted, talk to them about their experiences. Create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can openly express their feelings about their online life. 

• Monitor Usage: Take an active role in monitoring your child's social media accounts and interactions. This does not mean you should invade their privacy, but you should stay informed about what they’re exposed to and whom they interact with. 

• Encourage Professional Help: If you suspect your child’s mental health is being negatively affected by social media, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional counselor or psychologist. They can help your child work through issues such as body image concerns, anxiety, or depression related to online experiences. 

• Take a Break Together: If social media seems to be taking a toll on your child's mental health, consider taking a social media break together as a family. This can help reset habits and remind everyone of the joys of life offline. 

By taking these steps, you can help guide your children toward healthy social media habits and protect them from its potentially harmful effects. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection and learning, but with the right boundaries and guidance, your child can enjoy the benefits without the negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being. 

While social media offers unique possibilities for connection and self-expression, it is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize its potential risks. By promoting awareness and healthy habits, we can help ensure that children and adolescents enjoy the benefits of social media while minimizing the harm. 

To learn more about Dr. Blastos, click here, and to learn more about behavioral health services at Independence Health System, click here.