Is Social Media Hurting Kids' Mental Health? What Parents Should Know
- CYBERRISKED℠
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
This post is part 4 of 6 of CYBERRISKED's Kids' Online Safety Series, helping parents navigate today’s digital world with confidence.
Social media connects kids with friends, trends, and information — but it also brings real risks to their emotional wellbeing. As more research emerges, it’s clear that excessive social media use can impact mental health, especially among younger users.
What the Research Is Showing
Increased Anxiety and Depression: Studies from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office show that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), heavy social media use is linked to poor sleep quality, which affects both emotional regulation and academic performance.
Self-Esteem Issues: Platforms that focus heavily on appearance and popularity can fuel body image concerns, comparison traps, and feelings of inadequacy — especially among adolescent girls.
Why This Matters for Families
Social media isn't "bad" by itself — but without balance and guidance, it can crowd out healthier activities like:
Physical exercise
Face-to-face relationships
Mindful downtime (free from constant stimulation)
Even companies like TikTok are starting to introduce screen time alerts for minors to address growing mental health concerns.
What Parents Can Do
Encourage tech-free zones — like no phones in bedrooms overnight.
Model healthy habits yourself — show your kids that not every spare moment has to be filled with scrolling.
Talk openly about what they see online — and how it makes them feel.
Focus on time well spent — it’s not just about limiting screen time, but promoting positive online experiences.
Remember: The goal isn't to eliminate social media, but to teach resilience and critical thinking around it.
Our Final Thought
Social media can be part of a healthy digital life — if families stay engaged and mindful about how it's used. Open conversations and smart boundaries today can protect emotional health tomorrow.
Learn more:
U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
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