In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, especially for teenagers. As a parent or guardian, understanding the impacts of social media on young people is crucial.

The Good Side of Social Media

On average, teenagers spend about 4.8 hours on social media daily, with 17-year-olds spending up to 5.8 hours. The top platforms are YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Interestingly, girls tend to spend almost an hour more on these platforms than boys. Many teens report that social media helps them feel more accepted (58%), supported during tough times (67%), creative (71%), and connected to their friends’ lives (80%).

The Bad Side of Social Media

While social media has its merits, it is important to acknowledge its potential negative impacts:

Increased Depression Rates: Studies suggest a link between excessive social media use and higher rates of depression. When college-aged young adults limited their social media use to 30 minutes daily, they experienced a reduction in depression severity
Negative Effects on Well-being: For 14-year-olds, social media use has been associated with poor sleep, online harassment, negative body image, low self-esteem, and increased depressive symptoms. These effects are more pronounced in girls.
Social Comparison and Body Image Issues: Social media often leads to unhealthy social comparisons, contributing to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and depressive symptoms. About 46% of teens aged 13-17 reported that social media worsens their body image.

The Ugly Side of Social Media

Beyond mental health concerns, social media can be a place where young adults’ physical safety is threatened too:

Exploitation: Cyber predators groom children through seemingly innocent interactions – asking innocuous questions, giving in-game gifts – and gradually escalate to sexual content. Nearly 60% of teen girls report having been contacted by strangers online in a way that made them uncomfortable.
Sex Trafficking: Finesse or “Romeo” pimps use psychological manipulation to exploit victims, often without the victim realizing they are being trafficked. Finesse pimps will act as though they are “dating” the victim, using love to manipulate the victim and asking for “favors.”
Cyberbullying: Over 60% of kids have experienced cyberbullying, with middle school victims who have experienced cyberbullying twice as likely to attempt suicide as middle schoolers who have not. LGBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable to increased suicidality following cyberbullying, and females are more likely to experience cyberbullying than males.
Dangerous Challenges: Viral challenges like the Blue Whale Challenge or the Blackout Challenge have led to numerous deaths among young people, in part because these challenges get normalized by the algorithm of a “For You Page,” and in part because the young adult brain – in particular the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making – is still not fully developed.

Promoting Real-Life Social Skills

Instead of telling teens not to use social media, we should teach them how to use it well. This includes evaluating how and when we use it, and noticing how we feel before, during, and after use. Instead of telling teens not to care about others opinions, we should teach them to critically evaluate feedback:

Consider the source: Is it someone whose opinion matters to you? Are they credible on the subject?
Examine the evidence: What facts support the statement? Do you have the full story? What might not be shown? What might be edited?

Learn how to effectively navigate social media conversations as a parent and family:
READ MORE: Creating a Social Media Mission Statement >

What Can Parents and Guardians Do?

Set Clear Rules: Establish guidelines for when, where, and how smartphones and social media can be used. We recommend restricting use in bedrooms, because this can disrupt sleep. I also recommend restricting push notifications, so that the teen fosters their own decision-making skills around when to look at their phone.
Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate responsible social media use and discuss your online interactions – including what you post, what you don’t post, and why – with your teens.
Keep Communication Open: Create an environment where teens feel comfortable coming to you with their mistakes or concerns. We all make mistakes, and we all need to feel safe when we bring that mistake to another.
Stay Informed: Be aware of the latest social media trends, and the reality of potential risks.
Invest in Expert Help: It is developmentally appropriate for teens to begin differentiating from you, their parent. Yet this also comes with a certain level of grief, anxiety, and conflict. The support of a therapist as you navigate this changing season can be helpful.

Remember, rules without a strong relationship can lead to rebellion. By staying engaged, informed, and supportive, you can help your teens navigate the complex world of social media safely and responsibly.

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog was written by Emily Labutta.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

SCHEDULE

VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM @atlwell