Social Media

Social Media & Mental Health- What is the Current Research Telling Us?

First and foremost- you are doing a good job! The  intent of this information is not to make you feel guilty as parents or guardians. Rather, it is to inform you and help you make the best decisions for your family regarding social media use. It's important to remember that not all findings apply equally to all adolescents. What that means is- If you have parameters set with your child that differs from what the research says, AND it's working, there is not necessarily a need to change it. 

The introduction of technology into our lives has grown rapidly in the last 20 years and is constantly changing and evolving. It is challenging to keep up with, especially with adolescents. You are the first generation of parents and guardians that have had to navigate this, and it can be difficult and confusing. In May of 2023, the Surgeon General issued a new advisory about the effects social media use has on youth mental health. You can find the full report linked at the bottom of this page, but here we have pulled out a few key points that might be helpful to consider. 

What Is Social Media Anyway?

Social media is  considered websites and applications that enable users to create and share content, or to participate in social networking. Examples include:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Snapchat

• TikTok

• You Tube

• Online gaming platforms

Is Social Media Safe?

There is not enough evidence to say that it is safe. In fact, there is growing evidence that social media is associated with negative impacts on adolescent mental health.

Why Does Social Media Have Such an Impact on Adolescents?

Up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using social media, so we consider it nearly universal. However, the digital world was not built with children's healthy mental development in mind. This age range represents a critical stage in brain development that can make adolescents more vulnerable to harm from social media. We consider harm in terms of:

• Exposure to content

  • Violence

  • Sexual

  • Bullying/Harassment

• Compromising sleep

  • Sleep time is critical for brain development

• Compromising physical activity

  • physical activity is critical to overall health and wellness

• Taking away from valuable in-person time with family and friends

  • Better social connections is proven to lead to better overall health

  • Social media reduces the quality of our interactions

  • Social media monopolizes our attention and increases our distraction

Negative Impacts on Mental Health

Reports show that most adolescents average 3.5 hours a day on social media. Reports also show that adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Almost 50% of adolescents report that social media makes them feel worse about themselves. Over use of social media can create or perpetuate body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, social comparison, and disordered eating behaviors. 

It Is Not All Bad!

In Moderation, adolescents report that social media:

• helps them feel more accepted

• feel they have people who can support them through tough times

• have a place to show their creative side

• helps them be more connected to what is going on in family/friend's lives

Red Flags or Warning Signs of Overuse

• Constant use

• Big reactions when they aren't allowed to use it

• Social media interferes with daily routines and commitments

• They choose social media over in-person social interactions

• Social media prevents them from engaging in regular physical activity

• Social media use impacts a normal sleep schedule 

What Parents and Guardians Can Do 

Wait... Does this mean if my child uses technology and social media they will become depressed? NO! However, it might be beneficial to monitor and set limits. Some of these suggestions may seem difficult to implement or archaic in nature. Don't hesitate to start or create rules around social media. Most adolescents will adjust well to changes. 

• Set controls that limit content, time of usage, and specific times of day

• Consider monitoring social media activity- at least at the beginning

• Keep technology and social media out of the bedroom, especially overnight

  • Have child turn in technology before bed

• Have technology free times and spaces (short car rides, dinner table, etc.)

• Encourage children to foster in-person relationships

• Have regular discussions with your child about what they see on social media

  • Preliminary research is showing that a combination of social media limits and adult-adolescent discussion around social media use leads to the best outcomes

  • Help them understand mis/dis-information

  • Help teens understand that profiles might not be real people or might be different than they appear

• Set boundaries for when and where devices can be used, and follow these parameters yourself

  • Model healthy and responsible social media use so bad habits aren't accidentally passed down unintentionally