How Social Media is Affecting Your Teen’s Mental Health

There are many things that could be affecting your teen’s mental health today. Adversities like global conflict, discrimination, and political views can wreak havoc on a teen’s mental well-being.

Other issues like academic and peer pressure, a lack of support, and simply trying to figure out who they are can also cause stress and anxiety.

Social media is another major anxiety-inducing factor. While it has its place and can be beneficial in many ways, the digital age could be doing more harm than good when it comes to your teen’s health.

According to Denver Metro Counseling’s teen therapists, social media is impacting teens mental health and keeping them locked in.

According to teen family therapist and licensed addictions counselor, Molly Ward, “Teens feel a dependence on social media. When Tik Tok was briefly banned, my clients described feeling lost and not knowing what to do with their time.”

Teen therapist and trauma specialist, Lauren Battista shares, “more and more, the teens I work with report feeling “addicted” to their devices, describing a near inability to exert self-control.

They often find themselves spending hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, engaging in constant comparison that leaves them feeling worse about themselves.”

When we explore the impact on teen mental health in relation to social media, here are a few stand out impacts:

Social Media and Self-Esteem

One of the biggest issues teens face with social media is comparison.

Read More: “What Parents Need To Know About Social Media And Teens’ Self-Esteem”

We all tend to compare ourselves to others from time to time. Social media, however, makes it nearly impossible to avoid our differences and discrepancies.

Your teen might see a photo of their friends on an outing they weren’t invited to. They might be jealous of a peer’s home, car, or popularity.

Many teens follow “influencers” online who make thousands (or millions) of dollars each year, leading lavish lifestyles and showing off their money, fame, and beauty.

According to teen ADHD therapist, Shelby Aronoff , “social media may cause teens to compare themselves and their experiences to others and sets unrealistically high expectations, causing an increase in negative thoughts such as ‘I’m not good enough’.

It also can cause teens to feel left out and excluded more often when they see posts of their friends doing things together without them, lowering self-esteem.” 

Battista adds, “teens are self-reporting excessive use contributes to lower self-esteem and an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety.” 

Body Image Issues

Self-esteem problems can go far beyond wanting more “things” or feeling left out at times.

The unrealistic standards often set on social media platforms can create body image issues for teen girls and boys.

Girls might see models or influencers and want to look just like them, even though those “social celebrities” often have a team of people working to make them look perfect.

Read More: “Boosting Your Teen’s Confidence: Tips For Raising Self-Esteem”

Teen boys might see men on social media with a strong physique, so they start engaging in risky behaviors like extreme diets or taking unhealthy supplements.

In her post “What Parents Need to Know About Social Media and Teen Self-Esteem”, Ward states: “The focus on appearance through social media perpetuates feelings of body dissatisfaction.

Pictures and videos are edited and airbrushed, leading teens to believe that that they are reality.

This pressure puts a focus on external value rather than internal, leading to disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and lowering self-esteem overall.”

Relationships and Cyberbullying

Bullying is nothing new. But, social media makes it easier than ever for teenagers to attack one another without immediate repercussions.

People tend to feel safer behind a screen, so they say whatever they want, no matter how cruel.

Teenagers have enough to deal with when it comes to navigating relationships.

They’re trying to fit into friend groups and understand how they might feel about a “crush” or a girlfriend/boyfriend, all while learning more about who they are and what they want.

Social media tends to make that even more difficult. Peers can start rumors that have a negative impact on teenage social circles.

They can say things that aren’t true, criticize others, and make connections behind one another’s backs.

Teenage relationships are already complicated, and social media adds another layer of confusion and potentially hurt feelings.

What Can You Do?

As a parent, you don’t necessarily want to ban your teen from using social media. “Time on these social media apps continues to be an integral part of their lives”, according to Ward.

Read More: “5 Tips To Engaging With Your Teen”

Again, there are plenty of benefits to consider.

Ward goes on, “Teens also see social media as an important way to learn and gather information about what’s going on in the world.”

And, it’s important to talk to your teen about the potential risks and consider monitoring their use while giving them the independence they need.

More importantly, make sure you’re checking in with your teen often. Don’t force conversations, but let them know you’re there, and take note of any behavioral changes.

If you’re worried about their mental health or they’ve come to you with concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.

Therapy can be a great way for your teen to learn about the importance of their mental well-being in a digital world and what they can do to prioritize it.

If you feel you or your teen may need help in navigating this social media world, reach out.

Our teen therapists are ready to offer education, guidance, and supportive reflection to help teens embrace a healthier relationship with social media, leading to resilience and better mental health.