The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

Social media use is nearly universal among teens. As many as 95% of kids ages 13-17 report using social media daily, and one-third say they’re on it “almost constantly.” As youth mental health continues to decline, many parents are left asking: how does social media affect teen mental health? 

This article explores the current research on the negative impact social media has on teen mental health. We’ll also offer actions parents can take to reduce the risks for their kids. 

Should parents be concerned about social media and teen mental health? 

The short answer: yes. Although social media does provide some potential benefits for teens, like connecting with friends or providing creative outlets, the negative impact on their mental health can’t be ignored. 

In fact, teens who spend more than three hours per day using social media have double the risk of mental health issues compared to their peers. And in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General warned that social media is contributing to the youth mental health crisis.

How does social media affect teen mental health? 

Here’s what studies have found about the link between social media and teen mental health problems: 

Anxiety and depression

By virtue of being online, teens are often exposed to factors that can contribute to anxiety and depression: 

• Unrealistic comparisons and FOMO
• Cyberbullying
• Pressure to gain acceptance from peers
• Discrimination, racism, and microaggressions 

Even using filters can increase the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms the next day.

Disordered eating 

Research suggests that the misuse of social media platforms is likely a significant contributing factor in the development of eating disorders. Social media regularly exposes teens to:

• “Thinspiration” content
• Influencers promoting strict eating routines
• Unrealistic beauty standards
• A hyperfocus on “clean eating”

These messages may contribute to disordered eating habits or worsen existing conditions. 

Substance abuse

Teens who use social media are:

• 3x more likely to use alcohol
• 2x more likely to use marijuana
• 5x more likely to use tobacco

One study looked across multiple social media platforms and found that the majority of posts depicting drug and alcohol use portrayed those behaviors positively. 

Changes to brain development

One startling way that social media impacts teen’s mental health is by altering how their brains develop. A study found that the brains of adolescents who checked social media over 15 times per day became more sensitive to social feedback. 

Other research has shown that frequent social media use could impact parts of the brain related to emotional regulation and impulse control. 

How can parents make social media safer for their teen’s mental health? 

The silver lining is that social media doesn’t impact every teen in the same way. Some of the factors that influence how social media affects teens include: 

• What content they consume  
• What activities they partake in on social media
• How much time they spend on the platforms
• Maturity level
• Pre-existing mental health conditions 
• Cultural, social, and economic factors 
• Parental involvement

Because the impact varies from child to child, it’s paramount that parents stay involved so they can reduce the risk to their teen’s mental health and help shape their online experience into a positive one.

Here’s what you can do to help: 

• Work to reduce stigma. Talk openly about mental health challenges, emphasizing that they are real, common, and treatable. 
• Model mental health self-care. Take care of your own mental health, seek help when you need it, and be transparent with your child. 
• Minimize access to means for self-harm. Lock up guns, prescription medications, alcohol, and other substances. 
• Help your child build their support system. Encourage strong, healthy relationships with peers, yourself, and other trusted and supportive adults. 
• Watch for warning signs. Keep an eye on your child’s mental health and step in if you notice concerns. Seek professional help if needed. 
• Stay involved in your teen’s social media use. Supervise your teen’s activity on social media and have regular online safety check-ins with them. Using a monitoring app like BrightCanary can help you stay on top of your child’s social media activity so you can step in if you spot any red flags. 

What if your child is in crisis?

If your child experiences a mental health crisis, here are some resources for immediate support: 

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call, text, or chat 988 to reach this free, confidential helpline 24/7/365.
• Teen Line. Call, email, or text to reach trained peer support. The service is free and is available nationwide from 6pm–10pm PT. 

Monitoring your teen’s social media use

The best way to support your teen’s mental health is to stay engaged in their online activity — without micromanaging. A monitoring app like BrightCanary can help.

BrightCanary uses advanced technology to scan your child’s texts, social media, YouTube, and Google searches. You’ll get an update if they encounter something concerning, like self-harm content or bullying. It’s a simple way to stay informed and step in when it matters most.

Final word 

Mental health issues are on the rise among teens, and experts warn that increased rates of social media usage is a contributing factor. Parents should monitor their children’s online activity and watch for any warning signs of mental health issues. 

By staying involved, talking openly, and using monitoring tools like BrightCanary, you can help your teen develop a safer, healthier relationship with social media. Want to keep your child safer online? Download BrightCanary for free and get started today.