Teenagers’ increasing reliance on social media has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on their mental health. Digital and social media use has increased recently, and it offers both benefits and risks to the health of children and adolescents.
important facts
- Globally, one in seven children aged 10–19 years experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
- The leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents include depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders.
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among youth aged 15–29.
- The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend into adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to live fulfilling lives as adults.
There is growing evidence that social media use has significant impacts on adolescents’ psychosocial functioning, mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between excessive use of social media and mental health problems in teenagers. Although social media is supposed to connect individuals to the world and provide them with a wider range of experiences, it can also increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This relationship appears to be clearer among young adults, where higher levels of social media engagement are linked to internalizing (such as anxiety and depression) and externalizing difficulties (such as aggression and defiance).
In addition to mental health issues, there are concerns that social media use may increase the risk of unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol consumption. They are more likely to be exposed to scenes that promote alcohol use, which can lead to more experimentation and risky behavior. Therefore, excessive use of social media, especially in young, developing individuals, can lead to mental health vulnerabilities.
Some risks associated with using social media
Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal information online results in privacy violations.
Cyberbullying: It has become a breeding ground for online harassment, with significant consequences for the mental well-being of teens.
Academic performance: Excessive use is linked to distraction, poor academic performance, and impaired cognitive function.
Mental health: Research shows a link between heavy use of social media and increased mental distress, self-harm, and even suicidal ideation in teens.
Lack of sleep: Chronic smartphone use often leads to sleep deprivation, which impairs cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Addiction: It can be addictive because it activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine, the “feel-good chemical.”
role of society
Children between the ages of 5 and 18 often express boredom and are obsessed with mobile phones. But what do they find to deal with this boredom? They turn to the reels, videos and social media posts of friends or family members, keenly tracking likes and dislikes and silently forming opinions about relationships.
Before social media, children spent time outside, playing and learning how to handle such interactions in a more natural, face-to-face environment. Over the past few years, media consumption patterns have changed dramatically. Children’s access to phones and social media did not happen alone. The responsibility lies with society as a whole, from service providers and governments to schools and, most importantly, parents. When children see their peers engaged on social media, they naturally want to participate to avoid feeling left out.
The impact of social media on teenagers is not always pessimistic but it also has some positive aspects.
• Connections and self-esteem: When used ethically and responsibly, it can provide teens with opportunities for meaningful connections, insight, and self-esteem.
• Access to health information: Teens can get valuable information on important issues about mental and physical health.
• Support networks: For marginalized teens or those facing difficult life circumstances, social media can provide important emotional support.
While the relationship between social media and mental health is still evolving, balancing risk assessment with ethical technology use can protect the well-being of children and teens.
To ensure the well-being of children and adolescents in the digital age, families must prioritize a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This means striking a thoughtful balance between screen time and offline activities.
Setting clear boundaries around content access, guiding the sharing of personal information, fostering age-appropriate critical thinking, and promoting digital literacy are essential steps. It is equally important to maintain open communication within families, ensuring that children feel supported and informed. These practices aren’t just guidelines — they’re important for developing responsible media habits and protecting the mental and emotional health of the next generation.
With inputs from Paresh Kumar, a social researcher, author, social entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of DevInsights, a social research-based consulting firm.
