By: Meer Haq
Spending time on social media has now become a way of life for most adults scrolling through videos of cuddly pandas, games or life hacks. But is it healthy for your children to have the same habits? And how does one know if they’re being safe on social media? Is social media good or bad?Social media provides valuable space for youth to self-identify dissecting where they come from, what they value, and who they want to be. It allows young people to connect with others who share their interests, values, and experiences often in ways that aren’t possible in their everyday lives.While social media can offer benefits such as enhanced connectivity, educational opportunities, and self-expression, it can also lead to negative effects on mental health, distorted self-image, and reduced creativity. Nearly half of teens interviewed in a recent survey say they use the internet “almost constantly,” and 9 in 10 teens use social media daily.
Though most social media platforms have a required minimum age of 13, almost 40% of children between the ages of 8 and 12 use social media. The impact of social media on mental health varies between pre-teens and teenagers. Pre-teens may benefit from social media as a tool for communication and connection, while teenagers, especially those with pre-existing mental health issues, may experience more negative effects. The WHO’s study indicates that problematic social media use among adolescents is a significant concern, with rates increasing from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. This rise in problematic social media use raises urgent concerns about the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of young people.
We will look at positive outcomes of using social media in youth, before dwelling into the dark side. In some ways, social media can benefit mental health. Many teens find a community online that helps them through difficult times, breaking through barriers that would normally exist, such as distance or shyness in approaching others. In addition, many children and teens can find support using social media. For instance, many social media platforms encourage help-seeking behaviours, such as:Initiate mental health care Sharing ideas, otherwise too awkward to discuss social support
