Social media has become one of the most commonly used communication tools today. While it provides a way for people to connect, learn, and relax, it can also be a toxic environment for many people. Teens, who are already highly vulnerable to what others say, can become significantly impacted by what they see and experience on social media.
What is the reality of social media, though? Can it really impact your teen’s mental health? And, if so, what should you do?
Social Media and Teen Mental Health
To see what the big picture is, consider these statistics from the World Health Organization about social media and teen use of the medium:
- 1 in 10 adolescents suffered problematic social media behavior, which included struggling to control use and experiencing some type of negative consequence from it.
- Girls are more likely to struggle with these types of complications, with 13% of all girls reporting difficulty, compared to 9% of boys.
- Approximately 36% of teen users reported having constant online contact with their friends.
There’s more to chronic social media use in teens, though, as reported in a survey published by the National Institutes of Health. It found that youth with cell phones struggle with:
- Changes in cognitive abilities
- A reduced focus and attention in areas of school performance
- A higher risk of self-harming behavior
- A higher risk of suicidal thoughts
- A higher increase in mental distress
Teens are vulnerable to the statements and influences on social media for many things. A good way to imagine what it can do is to think about what high school is like to many teens. There is a diverse mix of people to learn from and spend time with, including those from a wide range of backgrounds. On social media, that is amplified by an incredible amount. They now have exposure to people with a wide range of influences from global threats. It is no longer just a group of people picking on them or making statements about them, but thousands of people who could do the same. The risk of mental health complications in teens from this type of ongoing exposure is critically painful.
Understanding Unhealthy Social Media Habits and Their Impact
There are several threats to teens who use social media without monitoring or in situations where they develop chronic interactions with others. This can lead to:
- A lack of sleep and implications for mental sharpness as a result
- Lack of healthy activities, including physical activity
- Difficulty with social isolation, especially in connecting and spending time with friends and family in person
- Onset of anxiety and worsening of anxious thoughts and feelings due to the increased pressures on social media
- Worsening of depression, especially if there is a genetic predisposition to it
That’s not to say there are no benefits to social media use. There are, and in many ways, allowing your child to have access to social media can be a good thing. It can help to encourage them to learn about themselves and develop new relationships. It can help to create social support when used in a positive way.
Signs Your Teen Needs Help with Social Media Influenced Complications
For those teens struggling as a result of their social media use, it is crucial to work with them promptly. Banning social media may seem like a simple solution, but it rarely yields the long-term benefits that teens need. Instead, consider the following:
- Teach about the risks. Ensure your teen understands that people are not always who they claim to be and provide them with actionable steps to identify who to trust and who not to trust.
- Establish boundaries. Social media boundaries may include designated phone-free hours and specific spaces used each day. Turn off notifications for social media and ensure they take regular breaks from devices to focus on life outside of social media.
- Recognize the signs. When you see mental health challenges, get help for your teen. This includes negative self-talk, drops or changes in grades or self-esteem, and implications of anxiety and depression.
The key here is to find balance, which can be challenging for both parents and teens. Having help and a supportive environment is critically beneficial in these situations.
Let Willow Creek Behavioral Health Help You
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate care to teens of all ages who are facing challenges to mental health from social media or other concerns. With walk-in professional assessment available, we can offer rapid support when your loved one needs it the most. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your teen.
