![]() Online social interaction can promote healthy socialization among teens, especially when they’re experiencing stress or social isolation. “On social media, they can find people who share their identities and interests.” “The primary benefit is social connection, and that’s true for teens who are connecting with friends they already have or making new connections,” Nesi said. Adults can help kids get the most out of social media by encouraging them to use online platforms to engage with others in positive ways. The internet is at its best when it brings people together. As kids become more mature and develop digital literacy skills, they can earn more autonomy. One takeaway from such research is that adults should monitor kids’ social media use closely in early adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 14 or so. During those windows-around 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys-more social media use predicts a decrease in life satisfaction a year later, while lower use predicts greater life satisfaction ( Orben, A., et al., Nature Communications, Vol. One longitudinal analysis of data from youth in the United Kingdom found distinct developmental windows during which adolescents are especially sensitive to social media’s impact. The potential risks of social media may be especially acute during early adolescence when puberty delivers an onslaught of biological, psychological, and social changes. “The original yearning is social, but kids can accidentally wander into harmful content.” “The need to prioritize peers is a normal part of adolescent development, and youth are turning to social media for some of that longed-for peer contact,” said clinical psychologist Mary Ann McCabe, PhD, ABPP, a member-at-large of APA’s Board of Directors, adjunct associate professor of pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine, and cochair of the expert advisory panel. ![]() Meanwhile, the brain regions involved in self-control have not fully matured. During adolescent development, brain regions associated with the desire for attention, feedback, and reinforcement from peers become more sensitive. Young people may be particularly vulnerable to social media’s charms-as well as its harms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( American Economic Review, Vol. In 2021, more than 40% of high school students reported depressive symptoms, with girls and LGBTQ+ youth reporting even higher rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts, according to data from the U.S. “Just as we decide when kids are old enough to drive, and we teach them to be good drivers, we can establish guidelines and teach children to use social media safely,” Alvord said.Įven before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in young people were climbing. That doesn’t mean we have to accept its dangers, however. “Social media is here to stay,” said Mary Alvord, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Maryland and adjunct professor at George Washington University, and a member of the APA panel. ![]() ![]() For teens who grew up with technology, those digital platforms are woven into the fabric of their lives. In 2023, an estimated 4.9 billion people worldwide are expected to use social media. We have to take a balanced view if we want to reach teens and help them use these platforms in healthier ways.” “Teens (and adults) obviously get something out of social media. However, it’s important to realize there can be benefits for many teens,” said Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Brown University who studies technology use in youth, and a member of the APA panel that produced the health advisory. “There’s such a negative conversation happening around social media, and there is good reason for that. APA’s recommendations aim to add science-backed balance to the discussion. ![]() But fear and misinformation often go hand in hand. Just days earlier, APA issued its first-ever health advisory, providing recommendations to protect youth from the risks of social media ( Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence, 2023).Īs youth mental health continues to suffer, parents, teachers, and legislators are sounding the alarm on social media. surgeon general issued an advisory urging action to protect children online ( Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. In April, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to ban kids under 13 from joining social media. In March, President Joe Biden threatened to ban the Chinese-owned video-sharing site TikTok. This was the year that social media itself went viral-and not in a good way. ![]()
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