By Chris Roberts, LMSW
Quick Summary
- Social media can be both a connection tool and a source of stress for teens navigating identity, peer pressure, and self-esteem.
- Overuse or negative online interactions may lead to anxiety, mood changes, sleep disruptions, and other mental health challenges.
- Parents can support their teens by staying involved, creating screen-time boundaries, and modeling healthy tech habits.
- Counseling can help teens process emotions, improve self-regulation, and build confidence in how they interact online and in real life.
- BRAINS offers adolescent therapy services tailored to help families navigate the emotional impacts of social media.
What Parents Need to Know About Teens and Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media is an undeniable force shaping the lives of teenagers. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominating their daily routines, the way teens communicate, express themselves, and perceive the world has drastically changed. However, as the influence of social media grows, so do concerns about its impact on mental health.
The Positive Side of Social Media
Online social interaction can promote healthy socialization among teens, especially when they’re experiencing stress or social isolation. For youth who have anxiety or struggle in social situations, practicing conversations over social media can be a helpful and supportive step toward feeling more confident interacting with others. Social media can also help kids stay in touch with their support networks.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Connection and Belonging, social media additionally allows teens to stay in touch with friends, join online communities, and find support from like-minded individuals. It can also help with self-expression and creativity, as many social media platforms offer opportunities to share art, music, and personal thoughts, fostering creativity and confidence.
The Mental Health Challenges
Despite these advantages, Linda Mayes, MD, chair of the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC), reports that social media can also cause increased anxiety and depression. Studies link heavy social media use to heightened feelings of anxiety and depression, often due to cyberbullying, social comparison, and unrealistic beauty standards. According to Bernal-Ruiz, Rosa, Alcázar, and González-Calatayud, there is a positive relationship between the duration of social media use and “Problematic Internet Use symptoms.” In fact, the study went on to conclude that social media use was found to increase the risk of Internet Addiction symptoms by 3.2% in adolescents. The study also examined escapism and internet addiction in senior high school students and concluded that psychological distress increased the tendency to utilize social media as a means of escape, and escapism caused negative effects on the individual’s daily life.
Heavy social media use can also cause sleep disruptions. Constant scrolling and late-night screen time interfere with sleep, leading to exhaustion and reduced cognitive function. Another potential negative factor is how social media is linked to addictive behaviors and reduced focus. The addictive nature of social media makes it hard for teens to concentrate on schoolwork, hobbies, or even face-to-face conversations.
Finding a Healthy Balance
While eliminating social media is unrealistic, fostering a balanced approach is key. BRAINS suggests the following strategies for healthier internet use:
- Encourage Digital Detoxes: Taking breaks from social media helps reset the mind and improves focus.
- Promote Positive Online Behavior: Encouraging teens to engage in uplifting and meaningful interactions reduces exposure to negativity.
- Monitor and Set Boundaries: Parents and guardians should set screen time limits and create tech-free zones to promote healthier habits.
- Get Help: Schedule and meet with a BRAINS therapist to help in the process of assessing maladaptive cognitions and cognitive restructuring in a supportive and caring environment.
- Get Out There: Work to find supports and places where one can meet social needs in healthier and more functional ways.
How BRAINS Can Help You Navigate the Digital World With Your Teen
Social media is a double-edged sword for today’s teenagers. While it provides connection and inspiration, it can also negatively impact their mental well-being if not managed properly. At BRAINS, our team is trained and ready to help teens foster digital mindfulness and promote positive daily life.
BRAINS providers can help teens navigate social media in a way that promotes meaningful mental health and person-centered fulfillment. For more tips on healthy digital habits, follow our blog at brainspotential.com/blog.
If you feel your child or a teen you love could benefit from talking to our certified therapists to help navigate this ever-changing world, please contact us to begin your healing journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: My child’s behavior has changed since spending more time online. Should I be concerned?
A: Shifts in behavior, mood, or school performance can be signs that your child may be struggling with digital overload, peer comparison, or emotional dysregulation. BRAINS offers comprehensive child and adolescent counseling services to help families understand what’s going on and what support is needed.
Q: How can therapy help teens who are struggling with social media stress?
A: Therapy offers teens a supportive space to explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build confidence in their identity, both online and offline. At BRAINS, our adolescent counseling services are designed to help teens process what they’re experiencing and strengthen their social and emotional skills.