As a parent or caregiver, you know the constant worry that comes with raising a teenager. Add social media to the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. While social media can keep us connected and informed, it can also cast a shadow over our teens’ emotional wellbeing. You see your teen glued to their phone, scrolling through a highlight reel of other people’s lives, and wonder: is this affecting their mood? Is it making them feel invisible, or worse, inadequate? 

You’re not alone. Here at KVC Missouri, we’re here to shed light on the connection between social media and teen mental health. We’ll explore the challenges teens face online, and more importantly, empower you with insights to help them navigate the social media world safely and confidently. Because every teen deserves to feel connected, supported and happy, not lost in a world of likes and comments.

Social Media Use Among Teens: The Current State

Social media has become an undeniable part of teenage life, with nearly all teens using some platform daily. YouTube reigns supreme, with roughly nine in ten teens reporting it as their go-to platform. Other major players include TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, used by a majority of teens aged 13 to 17. 

This online interaction has become the primary way teens connect and engage. So much so, in fact, that face-to-face interactions and traditional social skills seem to be taking a backseat to the constant buzz of social media.

How Does Social Media Impact Teens’ Mental Health?

Social media is a double-edged sword for teens. On the positive side, it offers incredible ease of access to information and people. Teens can find communities and connect with others who share their interests, fostering a sense of belonging. This can be especially helpful for teens who struggle to find their “people” in their immediate surroundings. 

Social media can also be a valuable resource for learning about important topics like mental health, culture, identity or disability. Exposure to diverse perspectives can build empathy and understanding for others. 

However, this same ease of access can also have negative consequences. Unfiltered information and inappropriate content like violence, drug use, or sexual content can be stressful and damaging. Cyberbullying, harassment and privacy violations are all too common dangers lurking online. 

Perhaps the most pervasive challenge is the unrealistic portrayal of life on social media. Influencers and celebrities often curate a picture-perfect image, leading teens to develop unrealistic expectations for themselves. This constant comparison can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy when teens don’t measure up to these unrealistic portrayals.

Unlike adults, teenagers are still under construction…literally. Their prefrontal cortex, the area in charge of critical thinking and impulse control, is still under development. This means they’re naturally wired to be more impulsive. Combine that with the strong desire to explore their identity figure and connect with their peers (fitting in is a big deal at this age), and you have a recipe for some unhealthy social media behavior. 

According to the APA, “Brain development starting at ages 10–13 (i.e., the outset of puberty) until approximately the mid-twenties is linked with hypersensitivity to social feedback/stimuli. In other words, youth become especially invested in behaviors that will help them get personalized feedback, praise or attention from peers.”

That’s why it’s important to remember children and teens are not always making the most rational choices when it comes to social media. This doesn’t mean they can’t be responsible online, but it does mean we, as adults, need to be there to offer guidance and support.

Comparison Culture and Social Media

Teens are at a crucial stage, seeking connection and forging identities. This makes them particularly susceptible to the allure of the latest trends. They begin comparing themselves to others, and when they can’t keep up, their self-esteem takes a hit.

“Comparison culture is like a catchy tune on the radio that’s been played over and over.”

Megan Duff, Therapist at KVC Missouri.

 

 

“Comparison culture is like a catchy tune on the radio that’s been played over and over,” says Megan Duff, Therapist at KVC Missouri. “It can be really annoying and yet so hard to turn off. When we compare ourselves to others on social media it typically results in a belief that the other is better than we are in some way. The thought of ‘they have something I don’t, so they must be better than me’ can unconsciously creep into the mind and lead to changes in behavior and belief of your own value.”

The Cybersmile Foundation recently published a report exploring social media comparisons and their impact on Gen Z. A shocking 89% of respondents said they feel unsatisfied with their lives as a result of comparing it to others on social media. 74% admitted that these comparisons have made them want surgery to permanently change their bodies and 14% have experienced suicidal thoughts due to comparison culture. 

Supporting Your Teen: Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

While open communication is key, parents should also be aware of warning signs that social media might be negatively impacting their teen’s mental health. “Some important red flags parents should look out for,” Megan says, “are unwanted thoughts that won’t go away, being on edge all the time, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, believing they do not have any worth/value or that no one likes them, no longer being interested in the things they used to enjoy, trying to stop using social media but they feel they cannot, their grades dropping or other changes in behavior.”

These red flags, like increased irritability, social withdrawal or thoughts of self-harm, warrant seeking professional help. It’s also important for parents and caregivers to empower their teens to form healthy social media habits. 

So how can you help? Here are some strategies parents can use to support their teen and promote healthy social media engagement:

• Proactive communication: Prepare your teen for online realities. Discuss what they might encounter, how to respond safely and who to turn to for help. 
• Balance and boundaries: Help your teen establish healthy limits. This includes setting time restrictions for social media use, encouraging breaks and promoting alternative activities they enjoy offline. And, as hard as it can be sometimes, model healthy social media use yourself. Stay cognizant of your own screen time.
• Regular check-ins: Create a routine for open communication. Discuss screen time, the types of content your teen is encountering and how social media use affects their mood, relationships and thought patterns. Keeping open lines of communication shows your child or teen that you’re a safe space and here to support them no matter what’s going on. 
• Building trust: The most crucial element is a strong parent-teen relationship. Foster an environment of trust and love where teens feel comfortable coming to you with concerns or mistakes. Remind them they are valued and loved, regardless of online experiences. 

Remember, every family is different. Tailor these strategies to your teen’s unique needs and find a balance that works for you.

Help and Hope at KVC Missouri

At KVC Missouri, we’re passionate about supporting teens and their families. We understand the challenges of navigating the digital world, and we believe in creating a safe space for open communication and growth. We offer a variety of services, including individual and family therapy, group therapy focused on social media and internet safety, and more. 

If you’re concerned about your teen’s social media use and mental health, KVC Missouri can be your partner in this journey. Explore our services or reach out to us today to learn more about how we help your teen thrive in today’s connected world.