The detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of children and teens have become a pressing concern, with growing evidence linking excessive use to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. In response, both school districts and state governments are taking legal action against social media companies, accusing them of exploiting the addictive nature of their platforms to keep young users online despite the documented harm.
The Growing Crisis: Social Media and Mental Health
A wealth of research underscores the risks associated with social media use among kids and adolescents. A 2019 study published in JAMA found that children who spent more than three hours a day on social media were more likely to experience heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. For those already struggling with mental health issues, just 30 minutes of daily use significantly increased these symptoms.
Despite these findings, the reality of children’s online habits paints a concerning picture. Teens, on average, spend up to nine hours a day online—far exceeding the recommended limits. Between school, extracurricular activities, and homework, this leaves little time for rest or sleep, exacerbating the mental health challenges many face.
For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the situation is even more dire. Studies show that social media use is particularly harmful to these adolescents, who are more likely to become addicted to platforms like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). In turn, the excessive use only worsens ADHD symptoms, increasing inattention, oppositional behavior, anxiety, and depression, as highlighted in a 2022 Brain Sciences study.
The Surgeon General’s Warning
The issue has reached such a critical point that the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023, urging caution about social media’s impact on young people’s mental health. The report emphasized that excessive social media use can impair emotional regulation, increase impulsive behavior, and disrupt social functioning. It also pointed to research suggesting that these platforms may alter brain regions responsible for emotions and learning.
Nearly 95% of youth aged 13 to 17 report using social media, with more than a third saying they are online “almost constantly.” The Surgeon General’s report paints a grim picture, highlighting how these platforms may be reinforcing harmful behaviors in an already vulnerable demographic.
The TikTok Dilemma: Addiction and Harm
TikTok, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its role in exacerbating mental health issues. Internal documents revealed by NPR show that TikTok’s algorithms actively encourage prolonged usage by pulling kids into “filter bubbles” or “echo chambers” that promote harmful content, such as disordered eating or self-harm. Research within the company found that just 30 minutes of TikTok usage could push users into these bubbles, further reinforcing negative behaviors.
The platform’s addictive nature is well-documented, with TikTok’s own research revealing that watching as few as 260 videos, or just 35 minutes of content, can trigger a compulsive urge to keep using the app. The company’s internal communications reflect an awareness of this issue, with one document noting that the goal is not to reduce usage but rather to enhance user retention and engagement.
Meta’s Role: Profit Over Protection
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also facing legal challenges. In 2021, whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before Congress, accusing Meta of prioritizing profits over user safety. Internal research from the company revealed that 13.5% of teenage girls said Instagram worsened their suicidal thoughts, while 17% reported that the platform contributed to eating disorders.
Despite these revelations, Meta has introduced limited tools aimed at protecting young users. For instance, Instagram has rolled out “teen accounts” with added privacy features, but critics argue that these measures fall short in addressing the deeper issues surrounding social media addiction and its impact on mental health.
Ineffective Protection Features: A False Sense of Security
While TikTok and Meta have introduced features designed to limit screen time and promote healthier usage, these tools have largely proven ineffective. TikTok, for example, offers a reminder to users after 60 minutes of use, encouraging them to take a break. However, internal tests revealed that these prompts had little to no effect on user behavior. In fact, before the introduction of the tool, teens were spending an average of 108.5 minutes per day on the app; afterward, that number only dropped to 107 minutes.
TikTok’s internal strategy documents further reveal that the platform’s goal is to maximize daily active users and user retention, not to reduce time spent on the app. This emphasis on engagement over well-being raises concerns about the sincerity of the platform’s efforts to protect young users.
Parental Responsibility: Engaging with Kids on Social Media Use
Given the limitations of self-regulatory features, experts agree that the most effective way to protect kids from the negative mental health effects of social media is through active parental engagement. Setting time limits, using parental controls, and, most importantly, maintaining an open dialogue with children about their social media use can help mitigate the risks.
Parents are encouraged to not only monitor their children’s online habits but also to foster conversations about the emotional toll that social media can take. By combining these efforts with critical thinking and ongoing support, parents can play a key role in shielding their kids from the worst of social media’s impact.
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