Social Media’s Impact on Teen Mental Health Sparks Concern Among Experts

Recent studies have highlighted the troubling relationship between social media use and mental health issues among teenagers, raising alarms among parents, educators, and health professionals. A significant body of research indicates that increased social media engagement correlates with heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in adolescents.

A survey conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health found that platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram contribute significantly to feelings of depression and anxiety among users aged 14 to 24. The survey revealed that “26 percent of teens say these sites make them feel worse about their own life”. This statistic highlights the pervasive nature of negative emotional impacts stemming from social media exposure.

In addition to emotional distress, experts warn about the potential for cyberbullying on these platforms. According to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, nearly two-thirds of adolescents are “often” or “sometimes” exposed to hate-based content on social media. This exposure can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, particularly among vulnerable groups such as teenage girls and LGBTQ youth.

As these findings continue to emerge, there is a growing call for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the complexities surrounding teen social media use. The need for a balanced approach—one that recognizes both the potential benefits and risks associated with digital engagement—is more critical than ever as society navigates this digital landscape.

For further reading on this topic and access to expert insights, please refer to the original article available at AP News.

Sources:
[1] https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/well-being/effect-of-social-media-on-teenagers/
[2] https://www.aecf.org/blog/social-medias-concerning-effect-on-teen-mental-health
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10476631/
[4] https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
[6] https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/01/impact-of-social-media-teens-mental-health
[7] https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health
[8] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/social-media-and-mental-health-in-children-and-teens