You casually ask your teen to help out with a quick chore—like folding the laundry. Instead of jumping up like a superhero, they barely glance away from their phone, scrolling through social media apps like it’s a matter of life and death. Seriously? It’s enough to make any mom roll her eyes! You can’t help but feel that mix of frustration and concern.
A recent 2023 study points out the pressing need for mental health professionals (and you as a concerned parent!) to assess risks associated with teens’ social media use. With an increasing number of cases highlighting the link between social media and anxiety, it’s difficult to ignore the concerns raised by both parents and experts.
Issues like privacy, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on school performance and emotional well-being are at the forefront of this conversation. In fact, numerous teenagers are discovering that their extensive smartphone usage and constant access to social media contribute to persistent sleep deprivation, which can impair their cognitive functions and emotional well-being.
Research shows that increased time spent on these platforms is associated with rising feelings of distress, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts among young people. (Bozzola et al., 2022)
Certain social media platforms, particularly image-focused ones like Instagram and Facebook, can heighten feelings of anxiety and inadequacy among users. Teens who used social media for more than 3 hours a day were more likely to report serious mental health issues, including feelings of sadness and anxiety. (Riehm KE et al., 2019)
This study does spotlight how we choose to monitor our children’s use of electronics. In a world where information is being thrown at us from every conceivable angle with very little human interaction, this study finally confirms what we have known all along: that when teens spend too much time on their devices, they become anxious – and thus, the term social media anxiety.
When Do Social Media Habits Become Detrimental to Mental Health?
Another study suggests that not all active screentime impacts children in the same way, and it isn’t always bad. For example, more passive online usage, like watching YouTube videos versus interacting online, was linked to higher levels of depression.
A key finding showed that as teens spent more time on social media each year, their reported symptoms of depression also increased during that same period. While we can speculate that it is from passive engagement versus active engagement, more studies need to be done to get to the root cause of the issue. As observed, teenagers who constantly check social media may experience heightened feelings of neglect and anxiety. (Boers et al., 2019)
Bullying or comparative social pressures on social media are contributing factors that need to be further examined. College students and young adults, in particular, report feeling judged and anxious when interacting on these platforms, highlighting the unique mental health risks they face.
Managing Social Media Usage for Kids and Teens
If there are mental health concerns that you observe in your child, it’s crucial to observe how they engage in social media. Be a parent detective! Do they access social media too much? Is it something you consider a social media addiction? Then reducing social media use is a logical step. How many friends do they have on their list? Are these strangers or actual friends? Numerous online abuse cases often originate from interactions with strangers on social media platforms.
Remember, how they interact shape their personal experiences and well-being. It’s important to provide support and practical advice to help manage social media anxiety, encouraging breaks and mindfulness in online habits.
Screen time battles are very real for parents and can be incredibly stressful for child and parent. While social media can contribute to negative feelings, it’s also essential to recognize its positive aspects, such as opportunities for connection and maintaining relationships.
Set Time Limits
Use app settings or parental controls to limit daily social media use to a specific number of hours, like 1-2 hours a day. You can also implement a “no phone” rule during family meals or homework time.
Create a Family Media Agreement
Develop a written agreement that outlines acceptable social media use, including time limits, platforms allowed, and guidelines for sharing personal information. Review it together regularly.
Teach Them to Check Privacy Settings
Sit down with your child and walk them through the privacy settings on their favorite platforms (like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok). Show them how to restrict who can see their posts and how to block unwanted contacts.
Curate Their Feed on Different Social Media Platforms
Help your child select accounts to follow that promote body positivity, mental health awareness, or educational content. Constant comparisons on social media can lead to low self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction. Turning off social media notifications can be a quick way to prevent their anxiety. Encourage them to unfollow accounts on social media platform that make them feel bad about themselves.
Implement a Digital Detox Day
Designate one day a week as a “digital detox day” where the family goes without social media. Use that time for activities like hiking, board games, or family outings to strengthen real-life connections.
Discuss the Signs of Cyberbullying
Educate your child on the types of cyberbullying (like spreading rumors or excluding someone) and the importance of reporting it. Children experiencing social media anxiety may show behavioral changes and suffer from mental health issues, making it crucial to address these concerns. Role-play scenarios where they practice how to respond or seek help.
Limit Late-Night Use
Set a “phone bedtime,” requiring devices to be charged in a common area by 9 PM. This helps reduce the temptation to scroll late into the night, promoting better sleep hygiene.
Encourage Active Participation
Suggest that your child engage in positive social media challenges, like sharing something they’re grateful for or participating in a kindness challenge. This promotes positive interactions online.
Monitor Their Interactions
Regularly check your child’s friend lists and recent activity. Have conversations about who they’re communicating with and ensure they understand the importance of only interacting with people they know in real life.
Creating Healthy Boundaries Towards Social Media Usage
They can learn to have healthy boundaries and it starts with you role modeling healthy usage. That means no screentime at dinner and when you are talking with your child.
Now, you are probably wondering: “Well, if I can’t control it, how do I create healthy habits and boundaries?” So glad you asked, I couldn’t have said it better myself! There are lots of ways to create healthy boundaries with social media. Encourage your teen to engage in offline activities that are more fun that promote real-life interactions and physical health, such as joining clubs or sports teams, which can naturally boost mood and decrease anxiety.
Practice mindfulness by encouraging them to be present in the moment, whether they’re enjoying a meal or spending time with family. It’s also beneficial to curate their social media feed, ensuring they follow accounts that promote positivity and well-being while unfollowing those that trigger negative emotions or low self-esteem. By setting these boundaries, you help your child develop a balanced relationship with social media, supporting their mental health and overall well-being.
Any other activity that is physically stimulating is great, not only for physical health but mentally. You are going to have those increased endorphin levels, which will naturally combat that anxiety and depression. By implementing these targeted practices, you can better guide your child in navigating social media while supporting their mental wellbeing.
Addressing developmental challenges and limiting media usage can lead to significant psychological benefits, enhancing not only the individual’s subjective well being but also positively impacting other aspects of their own lives. By reducing screen time, we create opportunities for healthier interactions and personal growth, ultimately helping individuals thrive and reach their full potential.
What is a healthy amount of time for teens to spend on Facebook each day?
A healthy duration of Facebook use for teens should be around 1 to 2 hours a day. Spending too much time may negatively impact their overall well-being, making them feel worse or feeling overwhelmed, especially when comparing their lives to others. Encourage your teen to re-examine their social media habits to ensure it’s supporting positive self-expression and building their self worth rather than adding pressure. Keeping Facebook use within this limit helps them maintain a balance and focus on building better lives and creates more space for them to pursue their offline interests.
What are the signs that my child’s social media use is having a negative impact on her well-being?
Signs that your child’s social media use is affecting her negatively may include increased anxiety, especially if she is constantly comparing herself to friends’ posts, fueling anxiety and low self-esteem. If she’s showing depressive symptoms, like withdrawal or sadness after spending time online, it could be a result of negative experiences or feeling left out. Keep an eye out for changes in mood or behavior, as these can be indicators of social media’s negative effects on her well-being. Excessive social media use can also lead to social isolation, reducing real-life interactions thus leading to mental health problems.
Can social anxiety stem from social media usage?
Social media use can lead to social anxiety by limiting real-life social skills and increasing feelings of comparison. Spending time online may make teens feel anxious, especially when exposed to harmful content that triggers insecurities or mood disorders. To regain control, practical tips include limiting screentime and encouraging more in-person interactions, helping shed light on healthier social habits. Future research should address demographic representation and the use of different social media platforms in examining mental health impacts, urging further investigations into various mental health symptoms beyond anxiety.
How can parents effectively prevent and address online bullying?
Parents can raise awareness about online bullying by discussing its dangers and openly addressing the serious impact it can have on others. Online bullying, like spreading hurtful rumors, can leave lasting emotional scars on children. It’s important to teach kids about empathy and the consequences of their actions online. Monitoring their social media use and encouraging them to speak up if they witness or experience bullying are key steps in keeping them safe in the digital world.
Bozzola E, Spina G, Agostiniani R, Barni S, Russo R, Scarpato E, Di Mauro A, Di Stefano AV, Caruso C, Corsello G, Staiano A. The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 12;19(16):9960. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19169960. PMID: 36011593; PMCID: PMC9407706.
Riehm KE, Feder KA, Tormohlen KN, Crum RM, Young AS, Green KM, Pacek LR, La Flair LN, Mojtabai R. Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 Dec 1;76(12):1266-1273. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2325. PMID: 31509167; PMCID: PMC6739732.
Boers E, Afzali MH, Newton N, Conrod P. Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescence. JAMA Pediatr. 2019 Sep 1;173(9):853-859. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1759. PMID: 31305878; PMCID: PMC6632122.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Neurodivergence who is frequently in the media:
- Cheddar TV Teens and Social Media Posting – How Social Media is Affecting Teens
- Business Insider How to practice ‘autonomy-supported parenting’ to boost your family’s well-being
- Exhausted to Extraordinary Parent (Video) How to Build a Resiliency Mindset In Your Child – In Just 7 Minutes
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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