Understanding Social Media's Effect on Children's and Teen's Mental Health

In today’s digital age, social media is a huge part of many children’s and teen’s lives. While it can foster connection and creativity, it also has significant effects on mental health – both positive and negative.

However, excessive screen time has been linked to serious neurological effects. Studies suggest it may increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia or stroke, and contribute to early brain changes, including thinning of the cerebral cortex. This outer layer of the brain is vital for memory, cognitive functions, motor control, language, and problem-solving.

In response to these concerns, countries like New Zealand have recently passed laws prohibiting children under 13 from accessing social media platforms. These legislative measures reflect the growing awareness of the potential impact of screen time on young minds. Similarly, while the U.S. TikTok ban primarily addresses national security concerns, it also highlights the increasing scrutiny of social media’s role in children’s lives. These developments could signify a shift in how society regulates screen time and social media use among youth, potentially influencing mental health outcomes.

From a neurological perspective, screen time triggers dopamine surges in the brain, fueling a pleasure-reward cycle that can lead to screen addiction. Unfortunately, short-term gratification may result in long-term health issues, including heightened risks for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and difficulties with attention.

As a psychologist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, I’ve observed how social media and excessive screen use can impact young minds. It’s crucial for parents to recognize these effects and play an active role in guiding their children to use technology in a healthy and balanced way.

With the right supervision, open communication and boundaries, use of video games and social media can improve socialization, hand-eye coordination, allow for age-appropriate advocacy and involvement in important matters, as was a recent effort by a teenager to fundraise with the help of social media and procure clothes and other items for other teens affected by the recent fires.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Positive Effects:

• Connection: Social media allows children to maintain relationships with friends, find supportive communities, and connect with others who share similar interests or challenges.
• Expression: It provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression through art, writing, and other forms of content creation.
• Access to Information: Children can explore new ideas, stay informed, and learn about causes they care about.

Negative Effects:

• Self-Esteem Issues: Social media often showcases curated, idealized versions of life, which can lead children to compare themselves to others. This constant comparison can harm self-esteem and foster feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.
• Anxiety and Depression: The pressure to gain likes, comments, or followers can create a sense of anxiety and stress. Cyberbullying or exclusion from online interactions can further contribute to depression or feelings of loneliness.
• Sleep Disruptions: Excessive use of social media – especially before bedtime – can interfere with sleep patterns, disrupting melatonin release and the body’s circadian rhythm. Poor sleep is directly linked to worsening mental health outcomes, including irritability and difficulty concentrating.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing peers engage in activities without them can amplify feelings of exclusion and insecurity, harming emotional well-being.
• Addiction and Overstimulation: Social media is designed to keep users engaged, leading some children to develop unhealthy screen-time habits. This overstimulation can affect their ability to focus and enjoy offline activities.

A major shift in the lives of today’s teenagers and young adults is the reduced amount of time spent socializing face-to-face and the increased reliance on digital interactions, primarily through social media.

Some experts suggest that the rise in depression among teens may indicate that online interactions are less emotionally fulfilling, often leaving individuals feeling disconnected and lonely.

On the other hand, for teens who struggle to connect with peers in person – whether due to geographical isolation or a lack of acceptance in their schools or communities as well as preference due to hobbies or specific conditions – online communication can serve as a crucial lifeline, providing them with a sense of belonging and support. 

Tips for Parents to Support Healthy Social Media Use

• Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their online experiences. Ask questions about what they enjoy, what worries them, and how it makes them feel. Open, nonjudgmental dialogue can help them process their emotions.
• Set Boundaries: Establish screen-free times, such as during meals or an hour before bedtime, to prioritize family interaction and healthy sleep habits. Set time limits on social media usage to prevent overexposure. Less screen time frees up your schedule for better brain health habits, such as exercise, socializing, time outside, and sleep.
• Model Healthy Behavior: Show balanced technology use by putting down your own devices and engaging in offline activities. Children are more likely to follow your lead.
• Teach Critical Thinking: Help your child recognize that social media often presents an unrealistic version of life. Discuss the use of filters, editing, and the selective nature of online posts to help them develop a healthier perspective.
• Encourage Offline Activities: Promote hobbies, sports, and in-person friendships. These activities provide a natural balance to screen time, reduce feelings of isolation, and help build self-confidence.
• Recognize Warning Signs: Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior, such as withdrawing from family, declining grades, mood swings, or avoiding social interactions. These could signal that social media is negatively impacting their mental health.
• Use Privacy Settings: Teach your child how to protect their online privacy, such as limiting their posts to trusted friends and family, to reduce the risk of cyberbullying or other negative interactions. 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child exhibits persistent signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.

Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a child, or teen, is experiencing mental health challenges:

Emotional Signs: 

• Persistent sadness or withdrawal 
• Excessive worry or fear
• Irritability or anger 

Behavioral Signs:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in hobbies, activities or relationships
• Avoidance of social interactions
• Risky or harmful behaviors
• Conflict with peers or family 

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue 
• Appetite changes

At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, our child and adolescent psychology care provides resources and therapeutic strategies to help children and families navigate these challenges, at Stramski Children’s Developmental Center and other departments. Miller Children’s & Women’s also partners with The Guidance Center (TGC), a community-based organization in Long Beach that provides comprehensive mental health treatment to the community’s most disadvantaged children and their families.

Helping Children Thrive

Social media is a powerful tool for connection and self-expression, but it can also present risks to a child’s mental health. By fostering open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and modeling balanced behavior, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of social media while prioritizing their mental well-being.

With the right support and guidance, social media can be a positive part of a child’s life – helping them feel connected and inspired rather than overwhelmed.