Mental health challenges among teenagers have been increasingly prevalent for over a decade, prompting experts to investigate the role of social media. Parents are understandably concerned about how to navigate and monitor their teenager’s social media usage.
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory, “Social Media and Youth Mental Health,” highlighting growing evidence of social media’s potential harm to young people’s mental well-being. Subsequently, the American Psychological Association (APA) released its own health advisory on adolescent social media use. In June 2024, Dr. Murthy further advocated for a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, requiring congressional action for implementation, as reported by The New York Times.
However, the relationship between social media and mental health is not straightforward. While research suggests significant risks, particularly for teenagers, social media can also foster beneficial connections for some individuals. Dr. Murthy’s advisory emphasizes the need for more extensive research to fully comprehend the multifaceted impact of social media. This complexity leaves parents seeking clear guidance in a landscape of uncertainty.
Dr. Linda Mayes, chair of the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC), draws parallels to the introduction of television, noting both positive and negative aspects for young viewers. “The issues we face now with social media are similar to those we faced when television came out,” Dr. Mayes explains. She emphasizes the challenge for parents: “So, how do we help parents filter out the parts that may be detrimental?”
Dr. Mayes, along with Dr. Yann Poncin, a child psychiatrist at YCSC, offer insights to guide parents in supporting their teenagers to engage with social media in a healthy manner. Understanding the nuances of this issue is crucial for fostering positive online experiences for young people.
