Social media has become a pervasive presence in the lives of today’s teenagers, leading to an urgent health advisory issued by mental health professionals and the government. Surveys like the 2018 Pew Research Center report high engagement levels on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat among 13–17-year-olds. It also warns that this trend is likely to continue growing and underscores the need to protect teens from the impact of social media on their mental health.
According to the 2023 Pew Research Center survey, teens spend much time on their favorite social media sites. The same survey found that while Facebook use has dropped and remains low. TikTok is now a significant part of teenagers’ daily lives. Because of social media’s ongoing evolution, it is more important for parents to be aware and understand how the social media platforms’ algorithms can impact teen mental health.
The Ongoing Teen Mental Health Crisis
Constant exposure to social media is increasingly linked to mental health challenges in adolescents. Jean Twenge’s research in her book iGen highlights a significant crisis among Gen Z, which has been deeply affected by digital media since birth. Explore more about Jean Twenge’s iGen.
Many Psychological Risks Associated with Social Media
Social media can disrupt teen lives by distracting them, disturbing their sleep, and exposing them to bullying and unrealistic life standards, according to health experts like those at the Mayo Clinic. These platforms, while sometimes beneficial, often promote peer pressure and anxiety.
Generational Mental Health Trends: Gen Z vs. Millennials and Recent Legislative Changes
Recent findings by Dr. Jean Twenge suggest that Gen Z is facing higher dissatisfaction and greater mental health challenges than the millennials at their age, with noticeable rises in depression and suicidal tendencies. These trends underscore an escalating crisis, already severe before the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset.
Most recently, Utah has taken the lead by enacting a law that bans minors under 18 from engaging with social media platforms unless they have parental permission. Similarly, proposed legislation in both the U.S. House and Senate seeks to implement the same rule nationwide, pending approval.
Learn how Minnesota is attempting to help tens by addressing social media legislatively.
New Health Advisory by the American Psychological Association (APA)
The American Psychological Association (APA) published its own health advisory on social media use in adolescence, examining its potential beneficial and harmful effects on adolescents’ social, educational, psychological, and neurological development.
“The APA emphasizes that ‘using social media is not inherently beneficial or harmful to young people’ and that experiences online are affected by both:
- How they shape their own social media experiences (e.g., choosing whom to like and follow)
- Visible and unknown features built into social media platforms.”
Because of the obvious potential for mental health challenges, “Youth using social media should be encouraged to use functions that create opportunities for social support, online companionship, and emotional intimacy that can promote healthy socialization.”
Social Media Exposure Influences Behavior Among Vulnerable Youths
Evidence shows that “exposure to maladaptive behavior may promote similar behavior among vulnerable youth, and online social reinforcement of these behaviors may be related to increased risk for serious psychological symptoms, even after controlling for offline influences,” warns the APA.
Exposure to “cyberhate,” including discrimination, prejudice, hate, or cyberbullying, especially when directed toward marginalized groups (racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, religious, ability status), or toward individuals because of their identity, should also be minimized as “research demonstrates that adolescents’ exposure to online discrimination and hate predicts increases in anxiety and depressive symptoms.”
Promoting Responsible Social Media Use Practices
The APA advises that healthcare providers should routinely screen adolescents for signs of problematic social media use, which can:
- Impair their ability to perform daily roles and routines.
- Pose a risk for more serious psychological harm over time.
To avoid adverse effects of social media use, adolescents should receive training in social media literacy to ensure they develop psychologically-informed competencies and skills. This training aims to maximize their chances for balanced, safe, and meaningful engagement online.
Furthermore, to reduce the risks of psychological harm, it is critical for parents to manage adolescents’ exposure to harmful social media content by:
The APA also calls for substantial resources for “continued scientific examination of the positive and negative effects of social media on adolescent development.
Parental Guidance and Monitoring
While monitoring teen social media use is crucial, especially during formative years, it should be balanced with respecting their privacy needs. Parents should actively engage in open dialogues about online activities to better understand and guide their children’s interactions on social media.
Turning Winds’ Therapeutic Approach
At Turning Winds, we provide a therapeutic retreat that helps teens disconnect from the pressures of digital overload. While in treatment, we focus on reconnection with core human values. Our program integrates elements from wilderness therapy and therapeutic boarding schools to offer a unique healing environment. Take a virtual tour of our campus!
Discover How to Find the Best Mental Health Treatment for Teens
A Safe Haven in Montana
Therapist Kim Sparks notes that “Parents appreciate the safe, distraction-free environment we offer at Turning Winds in Montana. Here, teens can focus on recovery without constant digital interference, which is often a relief to many families.
You can contact us online for more information on our programs, seek advice, or call us at 800-845-1380. We will call you back if we miss your call as soon as possible.
