Social media and its impact on teens

A clinical psychologist identifies when parents should be concerned about the effect of social media on their child, and when to intervene and support them.

Social media has the potential to be both beneficial and detrimental in the life of teenagers, says Philip van Rensburg, a clinical psychologist at Mediclinic Denmar Mental Health. That’s why parents need to inform themselves about what is healthy and what’s not and know when to intervene and support their child.

The upsides of social media

Social media was originally designed to create a network for people, connect friends and family, and provide a sense of belonging and support. “Teens can find communities of common interest that help them feel connected with others, even if they’re socially isolated. The internet generally is a source of information and a means to access resources easily, especially educational and mental health content and online peer support groups,” says Van Rensburg.

Social media platforms can also raise awareness about mental health that helps reduce the associated stigma and encourage teens to seek help if they’re battling with emotional wellness. “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok also allow teens to express themselves creatively, which is an essential part of identity development,” he says.

Personal expression through social media forms an important part of the “phase of differentiation”, during which children learn to form their own identities, distinct from those of their parents and siblings. “Teens are exploring different aspects of their identity at this stage of their lives, from sexual orientation and gender identity to cultural affiliations. Social media gives them a sense of empowerment by giving them a voice. This allows them to develop a sense of self-esteem as they feel safe to speak out in a group,” Van Rensburg says.

Cyberbullying and harmful comparisons

“However, in my practice, I regularly see teenage patients who have been targets of cyberbullying and online harassment. This leads to anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts developing. The anonymity of online interactions also encourages harmful behaviour that might not occur in a face-to-face situation, and this can be dangerous.”

Social media users tend to compare themselves to how others portray themselves online, which can affect self-esteem, body image and lead to eating problems. This is particularly troubling when you consider that so many online posts are misleading. “Some people lead dull lives but look at their social media and you’d think their lives are wonderful. It’s not the truth, but youngsters compare themselves to this,” he says.

Fear of missing out is also common with teens, as they try to keep up with everyone and everything, from their peers to influencers to viral reels and creating their own content. This leads to excessive screen time that may affect academic performance and interest in real-life activities.

Exposure to harmful content is an additional major concern, says Van Rensburg, with access to groups that promote risky behaviours such as eating disorders, self-harming cutting, or dangerous pranks.

Blue-screen sleep disruption

Addiction to social media can also lead to disrupted daily routines. If your teen can’t tear themselves away from the screen at night, they’re being subjected to bright blue light that leads to disrupted sleep and other sleeping problems. “We need deep sleep for cerebral-spinal fluid to wash over the brain, so we don’t get more depressed and anxious,” explains Van Rensburg.

Providing the right kind of support

If your teen is overusing social media or consuming harmful content, Dr Van Rensburg has one word of advice: communication. “We need to encourage open, non-judgmental conversations about social media use and other topics, like drug use,” he advises. “Create a non-judgmental platform to talk to your child. Angry communication won’t get you anywhere, especially with teenagers.”

Listen to your child and don’t overact or they will be reluctant to share their thoughts and feelings. Then validate their feelings and experiences, offering support rather than criticism.

“Help your teens set boundaries and encourage balance, like limiting screen time, taking regular breaks and switching off online notifications. Teach them to adopt other offline activities that stimulate them physically and mentally. You can also encourage your child to have good social interactions, not online, but in person, and with people who are good for them.”

You also need to monitor and guide your child’s social media use, although Van Rensburg acknowledges the thin line between your teen’s right to privacy and your need to know what they’re doing. “You must at least be aware of what social platforms your teen is on,” he says.

If your teen is overusing or misusing social media, or struggling with cyberbullying, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

To find a mental health professional near you, click here.