Social media offers teens opportunities for creativity, socialization, and learning. It also brings significant emotional and behavioral challenges that parents and caregivers must navigate. From the pressure of curated online personas to the hidden risks of cyberbullying, comparison culture, misinformation, and screen addiction, social media can have profound effects on a teen’s mental well-being. 

In this post, we’ll explore the emotional and behavioral impact of social media on teens, uncover the hidden dangers lurking behind the screen, and provide practical strategies for parents to guide their children toward safe and responsible online habits. Understanding social media’s effects on teens can help parents foster healthier relationships between their teens and technology while equipping them with the tools to thrive in a digital world.

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Understanding Social Media's Impact on Teens (Full Event Replay)

What is the negative impact of social media on teens?

Mental Health:  Increased risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and body image issues

Social Isolation:  Social withdrawal, emotional distress, and lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy

Academic Performance:  A decline in academic focus, engagement, and participation

Physical Health:  Lack of sleep from mindless scrolling on their phone, diet changes, illnesses and decline in well-being from lack of physical activity

Behavior Changes: Mood swings, anger, addiction, or participating in risky behaviors

Long Term Harm:  Lasting impact from cyberbullying, predators, depression, and mental health issues, which could impact future opportunities and relationships

What Parents Need to Know

Top 3 Social Media Platforms by Teen Usage (13-17 years old)‍

(Source:  Pew Research)

TikTok: 63% of teens have used, 58% use daily

Snapchat: 60% of teens have used, 51% use daily

Instagram:  59% of teens have used, 47% use daily

7 Possible Dangers of Teen Social Media Use

1. Constant pressure to post
2. Video app addiction
3. Participating in dangerous challenges
4. Harmful trends
5. Talking with strangers
6. Misinformation on social media
7. Behavior changes/interest changes

7 Disturbing Things Predators Say to Kids Online

1. “Let’s turn on Vanishing Mode” - so content and conversation threads will disappear
2. “Set up another Instagram account, and chat with me there” - parents won’t have that login information
3. “You’re so pretty, I understand you, your parents don’t get you” - predators try to build trust, grooming
4. “Your parents wouldn’t understand; don’t tell them we talked” - hiding the relationship
5. “How old are you? Where are you? What school do you go to?” - collecting personal information 
6. “Here’s a photo of me, now send one of you” - pushing to get an inappropriate photo from your child for future sextortion
7. “Send money or I will send this photo to all of your friends and family” - Harassing, blackmailing, and threatening a student, causing extreme stress and humiliation

Warning Signs of Social Media Dependence (Parent Video)

What can parents do?

• Parents should have an ongoing conversation with their kids about the negative effects of social media (view our dialogue starters below)
• Create a Family Media Agreement WITH your kids to help them feel in control of their screen time and digital media use
• Review and implement parental controls on your kids' devices to help reduce the risks associated with social media and screen time

Dialogue Starters about Social Media

• “Hey, what social media sites are you using the most these days? Can you show me how that app works? Can you teach me?"
• “Can you describe a time when you encountered content that changed how you thought about something?  What happened?"
• “How do you decide what to share about yourself online, and what influences that choice?”
• “In what ways do you think social media or too much of it affects your mood or daily decisions?”
• “I just got tricked by another AI photo the other day.  Can you teach me about the process you use when you come across new information online—what makes you trust or question it?”
• “I respect your privacy online.  How can we balance that with making sure you’re not seeing things that could harm or mislead you?”

How to Handle Misinformation on Social Media (Student & Parent Video)

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Parental Controls on Student Devices: What Parents & Educators Need to Know

Avoiding Strangers & Dangerous Situations Online

Shine Online: Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time

Conclusion

As social media continues to evolve, so do its effects on teens’ emotional and behavioral well-being. While it offers valuable opportunities for connection, social support, creativity, and learning, it also presents significant risks that parents and caregivers must address. Continuous conversations, setting boundaries, and proactive guidance can empower young people to make informed choices, ensuring that their online experiences contribute positively to their development rather than becoming a source of stress or harm. With the right strategies, parents can help their children build a balanced and healthy relationship with social media in an increasingly connected world.