Social media has become a big part of kids’ lives, but its effects aren’t always clear. While it can help some children feel connected, it can also contribute to mental health challenges.
According to a recent U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, research shows that adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience poor mental health than those who don’t, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. These effects are especially concerning for teens because their brains are still developing, making them more sensitive to social pressures, peer comparisons, and emotional challenges.
J. Stuart Ablon, PhD, a Mass General Brigham psychologist, offers valuable insights on talking to kids about social media and mental health.
“The best way to help kids navigate social media is by understanding how it affects them and having open, honest conversations about their experiences,” says Dr. Ablon, the founder and director of Think:Kids in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this article, he explains what parents need to know about social media’s impact on kids and how to approach meaningful conversations that promote balance and well-being.
Social media use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders, especially in teens. Dr. Ablon explains that while the research shows a connection between social media and mental health risks, there is strong evidence to suggest that social media use can directly contribute to these challenges.
Key reasons social media may affect kids’ mental health include:
Reduced face-to-face interactions. Time spent scrolling takes away from real-life relationships that are important for healthy development.
Increased exposure to comparison. Social media often shows perfect versions of others’ lives, which can make kids feel like they don’t measure up.
Cyberbullying. Online harassment can significantly harm a child’s self-esteem and mental health.
Recognizing how social media affects mental health is an important step in helping kids build healthier habits and reducing its potential harm.
Social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible, often at the expense of mental health. Dr. Ablon compares them to “slot machines,” built to be addictive through endless scrolling and frequent notifications.
Challenges associated with social media use include:
Body image issues. Teens, especially girls, may start worrying about their looks because of unrealistic beauty standards and idealized images they see on social media.
Feelings of exclusion. Social media apps show what others are doing, which can lead to FOMO (fear of missing out) and feelings of rejection.
Sleep disruptions. Kids may stay up late using their phones, which can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.
Constant comparison. Seeing others’ carefully edited lives on social media can lead to unrealistic expectations and low self-confidence.
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