Social media and mental health

In today’s digital world, social media platforms are just a normal part of daily life. The apps can be a great way to share moments, thoughts and experiences.

Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram or good old Facebook, the concept remains the same: You post a photo or video, send it out to the world and wait to see who responds. Sure, it’s sometimes disappointing when that witty post you spent 20 minutes crafting isn’t publicly acknowledged, or worse, triggers a less-than-flattering response. While some adults may have more experience or exposure to the negative side of social media, what impact does this rejection, blatant or perceived, have on children’s mental health?

How social media affects kids

With kids in mind, some platforms have taken steps to address mental wellness. Instagram, for example, offers users the option to hide the specific number of “likes” a post receives to “depressurize” the platform and make it a safer, more positive space. And while there is some research about how teens’ brains react to likes and comments, De’Von Patterson, PhD, a psychologist with Baptist Behavioral Health, said cyberbullying among this age group is about more than likes.

“Distress can come from different aspects of social media. This might include making comparisons between themselves and others, being excluded from groups, receiving negative comments, or other frustrating experiences,” said Dr. Patterson. “In person, there are social expectations and potential negative consequences that tend to keep people’s behavior toward others in check. Because online communication is more detached and anonymous, these social expectations and costs don’t apply as effectively. This can lead to social media behavior that is unusually negative or unkind.”

Recognizing cyberbullying signs

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), cyberbullying – any bullying behavior that takes place online – includes sending mean messages, sharing embarrassing pictures of someone, creating or spreading untrue stories about others, and more. Dr. Patterson assured parents they can help their child avoid it with supervision, both in person and online.

Most importantly, parents should watch out for signs of cyberbullying. Red flags include changes in behavior, demeanor, energy level, eating habits or sleeping habits.

“It’s worth bringing your child to a mental health clinician if you notice any changes, even if they appear to be functioning well otherwise,” said Dr. Patterson. “I’m always happy to see parents bringing their children to therapy for ‘mild’ concerns because there have been times when a child was severely depressed but wasn’t showing any signs a parent would look for.”

Setting screen time limits

Because the signs aren’t always obvious, or your child may not tell you exactly what’s causing these changes, parents need to supervise their child’s social media use.

“The biggest thing is putting some limits in place. One thing I see is parents will give kids free rein on the weekends, so they’ll wake up and be on electronics and social media 12 or 14 hours,” said Dr. Patterson. “If you’re setting restrictions and then giving them unlimited access, I’m not sure how much you’re really accomplishing, so that screen time limit should take some form on the weekends as well. There needs to be a point where they’re stepping away from it.”

Talking about online influence

Lastly, Dr. Patterson recommended that parents be mindful of what their kids are watching and liking online. Make sure it doesn’t warp their perception of real versus highlight reel.

“In general, social media affects kids’ perception of what is normal, both in terms of what someone’s life looks like, as well as body image. People are posting the best things happening, the best photos. That’s problematic for kids because this is the time they’re developing an understanding of how things work. If they’re heavily using social media, that’s affecting their perception of what life and relationships should look like. Parents should be aware of what their kids are watching and talk with them, helping them process it.”