In recent weeks, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a call for warning labels for social media, following last year’s stark advisory highlighting the profound impact of social media on youth mental health. This advisory brings to light an issue we can no longer ignore: while social media can foster connection and community, it also poses risks that can undermine the mental well-being of our youth. As a mental health professional in Central Florida, I have seen firsthand the dual-edged nature of social media and its impact on our youth’s impressionable young minds.
A 2023 Gallup poll showed that teens spend an average of 4.8 hours on social media per day. With such pervasive use, it’s no surprise that social media can significantly influence young people’s mental health. The advisory from the Surgeon General underscores the rising concerns about anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues linked to social media use. These statistics should serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators and mental health professionals.
Think about it this way: your teen is scrolling through their feed and sees a stream of perfectly curated lives — vacations, flawless selfies, exciting social events. It’s easy for them to start feeling like they don’t measure up, leading to anxiety and a drop in self-esteem. I’ve had countless conversations with young people who feel crushed by the pressure to appear perfect online, and even struggle to take photos of themselves without filters.
Additionally, research has shown that frequent use of social media is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of online presence, where the number of likes and followers can become a measure of self-worth. This digital validation, or lack thereof, can have detrimental effects on their self-esteem.
Despite these risks, social media is not inherently bad. When used mindfully, it can provide valuable opportunities for socialization, learning and support. The key lies in achieving a healthy balance and fostering positive online experiences.
It’s important to encourage young people to evaluate the content they consume and to recognize the difference between online personas and reality. Setting ground rules, like “phone-free” family dinners or keeping devices out of the bedroom at night, can significantly improve sleep, mental health, and encourage meaningful offline interactions.
Drawing from my extensive professional experience, I offer the following tips, inspired by the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, for parents to help their children develop healthy social media habits and recognize signs of distress:
Promote digital literacy: Encourage your teens to think critically about the content they encounter online. Discuss the potential for misinformation, the influence of advertising, and the difference between online personas and reality.
Set clear boundaries: Establish and enforce screen time limits, especially for non-educational use. Ensure there are specific times, like during meals or before bedtime, when screens are put away to foster better habits and family connections.
Encourage healthy online interactions: Guide your teens to use social media and other platforms positively. Encourage them to engage in activities that build creativity, strengthen connections with friends and family, and promote a sense of community.
Promote a balanced lifestyle: Support your teens in developing interests and activities outside of screens. Encourage participation in sports, arts, hobbies, and in-person social activities to ensure a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.
Teach online safety and privacy: Make sure your teens understand the importance of online privacy and the risks associated with sharing personal information. Educate them about safe online practices, including recognizing and avoiding cyberbullying and understanding the long-term impact of their digital footprint.
Social media is here to stay, so we must continually reassess our relationship with it. By encouraging open communication, setting boundaries and promoting digital literacy, we can help our children navigate the digital age with resilience and confidence. The recent Surgeon General advisory highlights the need for proactive measures to protect our youth’s mental well-being in this evolving digital landscape.
Dr. Treshonda Baucom is the owner of Enriched Life Counseling & Consulting in Clermont and a mental health professional.
This article was originally published in the Orlando Sentinel on July 14, 2024.