Social media is a great way to connect with people and keep up with friends and family. It can even be useful for kids and teens as a way to interact with their friend groups and share things within their personal circles.
But, for all the positive aspects of social media, the potential risks shouldn’t be ignored — especially when it comes to how it can affect adolescent mental health.
Social media can wreak havoc on the minds of older kids and teens, and end up doing more harm than good. Not convinced? Let’s take a closer look at how social media affects adolescent mental health, and what you can do to help your child or teen if they’re struggling.
Comparison Issues
Social media is often nothing more than a highlight reel of people’s lives. That’s especially true for teens. If your child starts scrolling through Instagram and sees photos or videos of people looking absolutely perfect, they’re likely to compare themselves to those people.
It can impact their self-esteem and confidence, or make them think they’re doing something wrong. Comparison doesn’t necessarily have to stop with people they know, either. It’s not uncommon for kids and teens to follow influencers online. These people typically look “perfect” and lead lavish lifestyles.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying continues to be a very real and valid problem across the world. While it can happen to anyone, it’s especially problematic for kids and teens.
We all feel a bit more emboldened behind a computer screen or when we’re tapping away on our phones. Unfortunately, some kids can use this to attack others. Not every teen is going to be willing to open up about cyberbullying or how they’re being picked on through social media. It could be friends, classmates, or random strangers online causing that kind of turmoil. Unfortunately, if they deal with it silently, it could make matters even worse, contributing to low self-worth, anxiety, and depression.
Distractions and Disruptions
In many ways, social media can be addicting. There are so many platforms, from Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and X. It’s a never-ending feast for the senses, especially when you’re an adolescent.
Spending too much time on any of these platforms can take away from real life and the responsibilities your child or teen has to face. It could become problematic when it comes to schoolwork, relationships, or even hobbies and interests.
When social media starts to take over everything, it could have adverse effects on a person’s daily routine. That can lead to increased stress, sleep issues, and more.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a parent or caregiver, it’s up to you to set boundaries when it comes to how often your child uses social media. Don’t forget to see the benefits of it, but take caution, as well.
Things like setting time limits on daily use, monitoring your child or teen’s accounts, and encouraging in-person relationships are all great ways to make sure you’re promoting their mental well-being.
Additionally, take the time to talk to them about some of the risks of social media. If you have a teenager, you might be met with a few eye rolls. But, they’re listening. Educate them. Inform them. Talk about online etiquette and how to stay safe. More will sink in than you realize, and conversations like that can make a big difference in how your child approaches social media.
The lessons adolescents learn now about how to manage their mental well-being while using social media are the ones they’ll carry into adulthood. Do your part to help them along the way and teach them the necessary strategies to have a healthy relationship with social media.
If you or your teen are looking for more support, Contact Us for information and how to get started with Teen Counseling or Play Therapy to help manage some of these impacts.