The Surgeon General’s Warning on Social Media for Kids and Teens: What Parents Need to Know

By Nicole Roder, LCSW-C, DBT-LBC

In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for kids and teens. But how does this constant connectivity affect their mental health? The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a warning about the potential risks of social media use among young people. It is crucial for parents to understand these risks and know how to protect their children’s well-being in the digital age.

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online “almost constantly.” What’s more, the majority of teens ages 13 to 17 say they use a variety of social media platforms including YouTube (90%), TikTok (63%), Snapchat (60%), and Instagram (59%). For older teens ages 15 to 17, these shares are even higher, at about 70% each.

This constant exposure to social media for kids can disrupt important developmental processes and interfere with face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for building social skills and emotional intelligence.

How Social Media for Kids Affects Mental Health

Just like excessive consumption of sugar or alcohol can cause health problems, excessive social media use can have profound effects on children’s psychological well-being. Studies have shown that prolonged social media use can lead to increased depression and anxiety, especially among adolescents. 

In addition, studies have found connections between excessive use of social media among adolescents and a number of other mental health symptoms as well. “One concern we have is called the ‘Brain Drain Hypothesis,’” says Coleen M. Schrepfer, MD, FAPA, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Senior Medical Director at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness. “When kids can easily find the answer on their phone, they have a lower reliance on their cognitive processes. A study from the University of Texas in 2017 found that in the presence of a phone, a person’s cognitive capacity is less, even when the phone is off and not being used. Studies show less gray matter in the brains of those individuals who score high on the addiction index scale for cell phone use.”

Dr. Schrepfer points out that there are a number of other problems linked to excessive social media use among children and teens.

Problems Associated with Social Media for Kids and Teens

1. Thoughts of suicide and self harm
2. Double the risk for depression and anxiety symptoms for those children using more than 3 hours a day of social media. The average daily encounters with social media exceed 4.8 hours
3. Poor self-esteem and body image issues
4. Increased levels of psychological distress
5. Sleep disturbances such as reduced REM sleep, less restorative sleep, and greater risk of insomnia
6. Attention and concentration problems
7. Fear of missing out (FOMO)
8. Cyberbullying experiences
9. Reduced ability to self-regulate
10. Impaired cognition and poorer academic performance due to reduced working memory capacity, reduced attention, and reduced problem solving skills
11. Exposure to developmentally inappropriate material for youth like violence and sexual content
12. Greater risk of distracted driving and distracted walking leading to greater number of accidents
13. Risk of agencies data mining information on minors

Is Social Media Ever Beneficial to Kids?

While the risks are significant, it’s important to note that social media isn’t inherently harmful. When used responsibly and in moderation, it can offer some benefits:

1. Connecting with friends and family, especially those who live far away
2. Exploring interests and hobbies
3. Accessing educational resources and information
4. Developing digital literacy skills
5. Engaging in social activism and community involvement

The key is to find a balance and ensure that social media use doesn’t overshadow real-world experiences and relationships.

What Makes Kids More or Less Vulnerable?

Not all children are equally affected by social media use. Several factors can influence a child’s vulnerability to its negative impacts:

1. Age and developmental stage: Younger children and early adolescents may be more susceptible to the negative effects of social media.
2. Existing mental health conditions: Kids with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may be at higher risk for negative outcomes.
3. Self-esteem and social skills: Children with lower self-esteem or underdeveloped social skills may be more vulnerable to cyberbullying or negative social comparisons.
4. Parental involvement: Kids whose parents actively monitor and guide their social media use tend to have healthier online experiences.
5. Digital literacy: Children who understand how to navigate social media safely and critically evaluate online content are better equipped to handle its challenges.
6. Overall life satisfaction: Kids who have strong real-world relationships and engaging offline activities may be less negatively impacted by social media use.

What Should Parents Do About Social Media for Kids and Teens?

As a parent, you play a crucial role in shaping your child’s relationship with social media. Here are some strategies to help protect your kids’ mental health:

1. Set clear boundaries: Establish rules about when and how long your children can use social media. Consider creating “tech-free” zones or times in your home.
2. Model healthy behavior: Be mindful of your own social media use and demonstrate a balanced approach to technology.
3. Educate your kids: Teach them about online safety, privacy settings, and the potential risks of social media use.
4. Encourage offline activities: Promote face-to-face interactions, physical activities, and hobbies that don’t involve screens.
5. Monitor without invading privacy: Stay involved in your children’s online lives without being overly intrusive. Open communication is key.
6. Teach critical thinking: Help your kids develop the skills to evaluate online content and recognize manipulative or harmful behavior.
7. Prioritize sleep: Ensure that social media use doesn’t interfere with your children’s sleep schedule. Consider removing devices from bedrooms at night.
8. Watch for warning signs: Be alert to changes in mood, behavior, or social interactions that could indicate problematic social media use.
9. Consider restricting social media access to elementary and middle school students: Waiting  to give social media access to your children until their reflective metacognitive skills begin to develop, around 13 years of age.
10. Seek professional help if needed: If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or social media use, don’t hesitate to consult a mental health professional.

Where Can I Find a Child Therapist Near Me? 

If you’re worried about how social media is affecting your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we offer individual therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, medication management, and DBT therapy. To schedule an appointment, call us at 443-708-5856, or email new.patient@gladstonepsych.com.