Social Media Use and Teenagers

Birmingham, Ala. (Aug. 6, 2024)—It is hard to find a teenager not on social media. It is a big part of their daily lives and interactions with others. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform. Nearly two-thirds say they use social media daily, and one-third say they use it “almost constantly.”

Dr. Nashedra Barry, a psychologist at Children’s of Alabama, says parents should know that social media can bring benefits and risks to teenagers. She says it can be used to connect with friends and family and as a creative outlet for kids. However, she warns that too much social media can lead to negative consequences.

“Too much social media could lead to children no longer prioritizing things like sleep and physical activity,” said Barry. “It can also open children up to cyberbullying and access to information that they may not necessarily be ready to understand just yet.”

Barry says parents can monitor their child’s social media use by using parental controls. This way, they can see if their child is accessing inappropriate information. Another way is for parents to make sure their children understand that you respect their privacy but want to make sure they are staying safe. Parents can tell their children it is okay to be nice, not to “friend” strangers, and to use privacy settings. 

Experts are also linking too much social media use to affecting a child’s mental health. Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, called on Congress to put a warning label on social media platforms, warning about the dangers to the mental health of children and teenagers. In an opinion piece, he said that social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. If parents learn of cyberbullying, harassment, or any other problem on social media, they can report it to school staff, the social media platform, or local law enforcement. If a parent becomes worried about their child’s mental health, talk to their pediatrician. Barry also encourages parents to be role models for their children regarding social media use.

“Smart social media use can start with parents modeling that for their children,” said Barry. “Parents should make sure they are not overconsuming social media or spending too much time on their phones. It can be difficult to get that point across to your children if you are having an issue with too much screen time yourself.”

Another recommendation is that parents consider making a household plan for social media use. The American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan tool lets parents set household rules for social media use. 

For more information on what parents can do to help their children with social media use, click here.