More Topics
◀ Home
Social media and teen anxiety
Social media may seem like a great way for teens to connect with friends and have a sense of belonging, but it has dangers. Social comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a perfect online image can have negative impacts on teenagers’ mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 32% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder.
Social comparison and body image issues
Social media platforms allow posters to present curated and unrealistic portrayals of their lives and appearances. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially among young people who may be struggling with body image or comparing themselves unfavorably to others.
Cyberbullying and harassment
The anonymity and reach of online platforms can make cyberbullying and harassment easy. This can have severe consequences for teenagers’ mental health and well-being. Online harassment can even inspire or encourage self-harm and substance abuse.
The pressure to maintain a “perfect” online persona
The pressure to “keep up” by presenting a flawless or enviable image online can create anxiety and stress, as people worry about what others think of them and their posts.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Constant exposure to others’ highly curated activities and experiences on social media can lead to feelings of FOMO, which is a version of social comparison and can be another factor inspiring anxiety and a sense of inadequacy.
Excessive screen time and sleep deprivation
Spending too much time on social media can disrupt a person’s sleep patterns, which will lead to poor sleep quality and potentially make existing mental health issues worse.
Ways to lower risk
Parents can establish technology-free zones in the house (“no phones at the dinner table”) and technology-free hours when no one, including adults, uses phones, tablets or laptops.
Encourage teens to get involved in activities that require spending time interacting with their peers face-to-face.
Set social media expectations with your teen and monitor their usage.
Help reduce teen anxiety
Many types of coping skills can be encouraged to reduce teens’ anxiety and help them build emotional resilience. These may include mindfulness techniques, stress management strategies, support systems, social media breaks, self-care, learning to reframe stressful situations, and breathing exercises.
Getting professional help
If you or your teen need professional help to resolve anxiety and other behavioral health issues, consider seeing a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, counselor, or psychologist for treatment. You can find behavioral health providers by logging into Blue Cross of Idaho’s Provider Directory at bcidaho.com/FindAProvider.
- Eight Anxiety Coping Skills for Teens - Choosing Therapy.com
- Any Anxiety Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health
- How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers - Child Mind Institute
- Social Media & Youth Mental Health: Understanding the Impacts - Yess Institute