These are a few of the potential negative effects of social media on teenagers:. One of the most common problems that teenagers experience is a disruption in sleep patterns due to an excess consumption of social media. A University of Glasgow study found that the more adolescents used social media, the more likely they were to fall asleep later and wake up more often during the night. Just like adults, teenagers often suffer from insomnia due to blue light emitted from smartphones.
This ultimately leads to a chronic lack of sleep, eventually affecting attention span and the ability to focus. Luckily, there is a quick and simple solution to this seemingly impossible issue.
According to SCL Health , electronic devices should be shut off at least 30 minutes before bed to eliminate blue light emissions and activate the natural circadian rhythm. Even as adults, we all have a tendency to compare ourselves to the picture perfect model seen on the screen.
However, teenagers are nearly twice as likely to subject themselves to harmful comparisons. According to a study from the University of Kentucky , adolescents are especially vulnerable because they are undergoing a lot of physical, social, and psychological changes.
Parents and mentors should be proactive in strengthening their teens digital literacy skills in order to avoid feelings of diminished self-esteem or negative body image. Monitoring content and establishing open dialogue about setting realistic expectations are constructive ways parents can prepare their teen for the responsibility of social media.
Unfortunately, the internet is not always a safe place for naive or inexperienced users. In order to avoid the potential dangers of social media, teenagers should always keep their accounts private and lookout for the facade many online predators use. Parents can play a key role in keeping their teen safe by educating them about online privacy. There are several things parents can do to allow their teens to enjoy the many benefits of social media without compromising their mental or physical health.
Parents play a crucial role in how social media affects teenagers, and the positive boundaries they can setup often look like this:. Read more about what teens are looking for on social media platforms by checking out brands that rule on TikTok or ways to stand out on Instagram. Ultimately, social media education is just like learning how to drive. Social media allows teens to create online identities, communicate with others and build social networks.
These networks can provide teens with valuable support, especially helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses. Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. And the platforms can expose teens to current events, allow them to interact across geographic barriers and teach them about a variety of subjects, including healthy behaviors.
Social media that's humorous or distracting or provides a meaningful connection to peers and a wide social network might even help teens avoid depression. However, social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure. The risks might be related to how much social media teens use. A study of more than 6, to year-olds in the U. Another study of more than 12, to year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens.
Other studies also have observed links between high levels of social media use and depression or anxiety symptoms. A study of more than teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression. How teens use social media also might determine its impact. A study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media and cellphones was linked with depressive symptoms.
In addition, a small study found that older adolescents who used social media passively, such as by just viewing others' photos, reported declines in life satisfaction.
Those who used social media to interact with others or post their own content didn't experience these declines. And an older study on the impact of social media on undergraduate college students showed that the longer they used Facebook, the stronger was their belief that others were happier than they were. But the more time the students spent going out with their friends, the less they felt this way. Because of teens' impulsive natures, experts suggest that teens who post content on social media are at risk of sharing intimate photos or highly personal stories.
This can result in teens being bullied, harassed or even blackmailed. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns. There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:. If you think your teen is experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression related to social media use, talk to your child's doctor.
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So, we asked Alina how else parents can help their teens with their social media usage. While there are many downfalls of social media, there are benefits for teenagers as well.
Social media platforms allow teens to:. You can work with your teen to help them find the right balance between social media and their mental health. You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student You're a domestic student if you are: a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, an Australian permanent resident, or a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa. Change to domestic Continue as domestic.
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