Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Decades ago, parents complained about their teenagers hogging the family landline phone. Today, it is hard to pry phones from teenagers’ hands. Is this simply a part of being a teen? Should parents be concerned?
The Mayo Clinic published an article[i] in December 2025 detailing a study of over 6,500 adolescents aged 12 to 15. Those who spent three or more hours a day on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook were at a higher risk for mental health concerns than those of their peers who spent less time scrolling and surfing the web. Other studies show that results varied according to how the teenagers used their social media experiences.
Social media can be a healthy practice, allowing teens to engage in socialization, develop supportive contacts with other teens who have similar interests or experiences, and give them an outlet to express their emotions and individualities.
However, tens often react emotionally before they process things cognitively, and this can lead to unwise choices and unhealthy conversations. Social media can —
Create false images, leading the teenager into a fantasy world that can disconnect them from reality.
Provide an unrealistic escape from dealing with emotions that they should seek help in processing.
Give incorrect or incomplete information and form misleading judgments.
Provide anonymity that can encourage negativity, gossip, and bullying, which affects not only the victim but also those who join in the act in order to fit in.
A means by which predators can prey on vulnerable teens, coaxing them into disobedience, illicit sex practices, drugs, and trafficking.
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO WATCH FOR
How can you determine if social media is having a positive or negative effect on your preteen or teenager?
Teens need alone time, but excessive periods of isolation spent in their rooms instead of engaging with family and friends can be a warning sign. If their grades suffer, they withdraw from sports or other previous interests and hobbies, or if they seem repeatedly exhausted, lackadaisical, or anxious, these may signal a need to be concerned.
BE PRO-ACTIVE
In an article from October 2023, the American Psychological Association[ii] recommends that parents monitor their children’s social media activities closely, especially in their preteen and early teen years. Have open and honest conversations about social media and encourage the child to bring posts to you that they are uncertain about, so that together you can decipher their accuracy and acceptability. Do not prejudge, but listen to why the site piques their interests or makes them question previously understood truths or family standards. Discuss these issues openly and honestly in a non-emotional manner to build trust and provide them with a safe space for developing their own opinions.
Limit your own time on social media so you set an example of productive use. Set strong boundaries on when the child can be on social media and for how long. Encourage face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Have family nights when all social media tools are not allowed so you can play board games, watch a movie or go out to an event.
Social media is a part of our everyday life. Helping your child utilize it as a productive tool, while being aware of its dangers, will ensure their healthy involvement as they become adults.
If you and your preteen or teen need advice on how to cope with the pros and cons of social media influences, and you live in the DFW Metroplex, please contact our therapists for an appointment. You can phone us at 817-506-3422 or click on the Contact tab on this website.
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[i]https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
[ii]Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use. Accessed Oct. 3, 2023.