Is social media harmful to kids’ mental health?

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Half of parents believe their children’s mental health has suffered due to social media during the past 12 months, according to a new study.

Researchers found that concerns continue to grow about the impact social media use has on the mental well-being of youngsters.

The survey of more than 2,000 American adults, of whom over 700 have kids younger than 18, was conducted on behalf of The On Our Sleeves Movement For Children’s Mental Health.

One in two moms and dads (50 percent) feel their child or children's mental health has suffered during the past 12 months as a result of social media use.

On Our Sleeves encourages parents to sit down and have regular conversations with their children about how using certain social media platforms can make them feel.

But fewer moms and dads (86 percent) say they’re comfortable talking with their kids about mental health, a drop of five percent from 91 percent in a similar poll last year.

Protecting the mental health of children online has also become a major issue with platforms such as TikTok introducing new safety measures in the last 12 months.

Dr. Ariana Hoet, clinical director of On Our Sleeves, said: “This is a positive step, but parents can’t trust that this is enough.

“Social media has the ability to increase anxiety and depression in children when used inappropriately, as well as potentially open them up to inappropriate sharing, hurtful language, bullying and more.”

Dr. Hoet, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the U.S., says not all social media is bad, and it can help in building a sense of community, relationships and self-understanding.

However, the findings of the survey show that the number of people who say children’s use of social media has a positive influence on their mental health has fallen to just 35 per cent, down from 43 per cent in 2022.

Dr. Hoet says that, in an increasingly digital world, it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the pros and cons of social media use and work to maintain open communication about what children are experiencing online.

She said: “Be curious about what your child is doing on social media.

"Taking an active role in their social media engagement, instead of simply limiting their exposure, can help them feel comfortable to ask questions, report concerns and seek help when they need it."

Dr. Hoet says "consistent and open communication" is essential if parents are to talk with their kids about social media use.

She recommends asking children to show you their favorite video, channel, or online influencer and following up with open-ended questions so parents listen more than you speak.

Dr. Hoet also recommends talking to your children about how to seek help from a trusted adult if they feel like something unsafe is happening, and discussing which parental controls and settings will be in place for social media use and why.

She added: "The balance between allowing children to explore social media while avoiding potentially dangerous aspects can be difficult.

"Through On Our Sleeves, parents can work to build trusting relationships that allow their children to reap the benefits of social media while minimizing the risk of negative outcomes."