Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his government would introduce in November legislation to ban social media for children under 16 years. This move is a bold and proactive response to the growing body of evidence pointing to the negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health, social development, and overall well-being. The decision to restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16 is both timely and necessary, given the increasing pressures children face in the digital age. Australia is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.
A 2019 report from the Australian eSafety Commissioner revealed that 58% of Australian children aged 9-17 have experienced some form of online harassment or unwanted contact, with many reporting that they were unsure how to handle such situations. This underscores the need for stronger protections for young users and the importance of limiting their exposure to potentially harmful environments.
In the modern age, social media has woven itself into the fabric of daily life. It has become an integral part of modern life, influencing virtually every aspect of society, particularly among teenagers.
One of the most compelling reasons to introduce a ban on social media for children under 16 is the significant body of evidence linking social media use to adverse mental health outcomes among young people. A large body of research indicates that excessive time spent on social media platforms contributes to a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
Teenagers, in particular, are especially vulnerable to the pressures of social comparison that social media platforms foster. Studies have shown that constant exposure to idealised representations of people’s lives — whether in terms of appearance, wealth, popularity, or happiness — leads to feelings of inadequacy. On social media platforms visual content dominates, and children are bombarded with edited and curated images of their peers and influencers, creating unrealistic standards of beauty and success. These images can leave young people feeling inferior, leading to decreased self-esteem and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including body dysmorphic, depression, and anxiety.
Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook have revolutionized communication, self-expression, and entertainment. While social media offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant challenges and risks, particularly for teenagers who are in a critical developmental stage. This essay explores the multifaceted impact of social media on teenagers, examining its influence on mental health, social skills, education, and self-identity.
Social media has undergone tremendous evolution since the early days of the internet. Initially designed as platforms for social interaction and networking, these platforms have grown into comprehensive ecosystems encompassing entertainment, news, commerce, and more.
- Early Days: Platforms like MySpace and Friendster paved the way for social networking, allowing users to create profiles and connect with friends. These platforms were relatively simple compared to today’s social media giants.
- Rise of Major Platforms: The emergence of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in the late 2000s and early 2010s marked a significant shift. These platforms introduced features such as news feeds, hashtags, and multimedia sharing, transforming how people interacted online.
- Current Landscape: Today, social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram dominate the scene, offering highly interactive and visually engaging content. The integration of AI and algorithms has further personalized user experiences, creating highly immersive environments.
A double-edged sword
The relationship between social media use and mental health is one of the most debated aspects of its impact on teenagers. Research has shown that social media can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on mental health, depending on how it is used. The impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health is a topic of considerable debate. While some argue that social media fosters a sense of community and support, others highlight its potential to exacerbate mental health issues.
Positive aspects:
- Support networks: Social media can provide valuable support networks for teenagers, especially those facing mental health challenges. Online communities and support groups can offer a sense of belonging and understanding.
- Self-expression: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow teenagers to express themselves creatively, showcasing their talents and passions. This can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Negative aspects:
- Comparison and self-esteem: Social media often portrays idealized versions of life, leading to unrealistic comparisons. Teenagers may compare themselves to their peers or influencers, resulting in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Cyberbullying: The anonymity and reach of social media can facilitate cyberbullying. Teenagers may face harassment, threats, or negative comments, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Addiction and anxiety: The constant need to check notifications, likes, and comments can lead to addictive behaviors. This “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can cause anxiety and disrupt daily activities, including sleep patterns.
Social media and social skills
Social media has transformed the way teenagers interact with their peers and build relationships. While it offers new avenues for socialization, it also presents challenges in developing essential social skills.
Positive aspects:
- Connectivity: Social media enables teenagers to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical barriers. It facilitates communication and helps maintain relationships.
- Cultural exchange: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow teenagers to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This exposure can broaden their perspectives and foster empathy.
Negative aspects:
- Superficial relationships: Online interactions can be superficial, lacking the depth and authenticity of face-to-face communication. Teenagers may struggle to develop meaningful relationships and emotional connections.
- Impaired communication skills: Excessive reliance on digital communication can hinder the development of essential communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and non-verbal cues. Teenagers may find it challenging to navigate real-world social situations.
- Social Isolation: Paradoxically, while social media connects people, it can also contribute to social isolation. Teenagers may spend excessive time online, reducing their participation in offline social activities and face-to-face interactions.
Social media and education
Social media can provide teenagers with a sense of belonging and emotional support, especially for those who may feel isolated or marginalised in their offline lives. Online communities allow teenagers to connect with peers who share similar interests, experiences, or struggles, fostering a sense of solidarity. For example, teenagers dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or self-harm may find comfort in online support groups or mental health advocacy pages where they can share their feelings without fear of judgment. Social media can also provide access to mental health resources, offering advice, coping strategies, and links to professional help.
The integration of social media into education has been both a boon and a bane. It offers innovative learning opportunities and resources but also poses potential distractions and challenges to academic performance.
Positive aspects:
- Educational resources: Social media platforms offer access to a wealth of educational content, including tutorials, lectures, and study materials. Websites like YouTube and educational Instagram accounts provide valuable learning resources.
- Collaborative learning: Social media facilitates collaborative learning through group chats, discussion forums, and virtual study groups. Teenagers can share knowledge, seek help, and engage in academic discussions.
- Digital literacy: Navigating social media requires digital literacy skills. Teenagers learn to create, share, and evaluate content, enhancing their technological proficiency.
Negative aspects:
- Distraction: Social media can be a significant source of distraction, affecting teenagers’ concentration and productivity. The constant notifications and engaging content can divert attention from academic tasks.
- Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and fake news on social media poses a challenge to education. Teenagers may encounter unreliable sources, leading to misconceptions and distorted knowledge.
- Academic pressure: The pressure to perform academically can be amplified by social media. Teenagers may feel the need to showcase their achievements and compare themselves to high-performing peers, leading to stress and anxiety.
Negative effects on mental health
However, the negative impacts of social media on mental health are also significant. Studies have found that excessive social media use can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. One of the primary reasons for this is the phenomenon of “social comparison,” where teenagers compare themselves to the curated, idealized images of others they encounter online. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, and dissatisfaction with one’s life or appearance.
The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona, often fueled by the desire for validation in the form of likes, comments, and followers, can also contribute to stress and anxiety. Teenagers may feel compelled to present an idealized version of themselves, hiding their true emotions or experiences to fit in with societal expectations. This can be particularly harmful during the adolescent years when teenagers are still figuring out their identities.
Furthermore, the addictive nature of social media can interfere with sleep patterns, contributing to sleep deprivation, which in turn affects mood and cognitive function. Teenagers who spend hours scrolling through social media before bed may struggle to fall asleep, leading to negative effects on their mental and physical well-being.
Self-Esteem and body image
Social media has a profound impact on teenagers’ self-esteem and body image. The visual-centric nature of platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok encourages constant comparison, particularly when it comes to appearance. Many teenagers, especially girls, are exposed to highly curated images of “beauty” that emphasize unrealistic body types and standards.
Pressure to conform
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to these pressures because they are still developing their sense of self and are often highly sensitive to social approval. Seeing images of influencers, celebrities, and even peers who appear flawless can lead to body dissatisfaction, unhealthy dieting behaviors, and, in some cases, the development of eating disorders. Research has shown that frequent exposure to “ideal” body images on social media is linked to a decrease in body satisfaction and an increase in disordered eating behaviors among young people.
Additionally, social media’s emphasis on physical appearance can reinforce gender stereotypes and limit the ways teenagers feel they can express themselves. For example, girls may feel pressured to present themselves in a certain way to be considered attractive, while boys may feel pressured to conform to ideals of muscularity or strength. This can lead to a narrow, often unattainable view of beauty that leaves many teenagers feeling inadequate.
Rise of body positivity movements
On the other hand, social media has also provided a platform for body positivity movements, which promote self-love, diversity, and acceptance of all body types. Hashtags like #BodyPositivity and #LoveYourself have gained traction on social media, encouraging teenagers to embrace their natural bodies and challenge traditional beauty standards. For some teenagers, this message can be empowering and help improve self-esteem.
While the body positivity movement has its benefits, it is important to recognize that its message is not always universally accepted or practiced online. Teenagers may encounter both positive and negative feedback on their posts, which can affect their self-image. Furthermore, the commercial aspect of social media, including the prevalence of sponsored content and advertisements for beauty products, fitness programs, and weight-loss supplements, can undermine body-positive messages and reinforce unrealistic beauty ideals.
Impact on social relationships
Social media has fundamentally altered the way teenagers interact with their peers and form relationships. On one hand, it allows for greater connectivity, enabling teenagers to maintain friendships across geographic distances and stay in touch with people they might otherwise lose contact with. On the other hand, it has also led to a shift in the dynamics of communication, often replacing face-to-face interactions with online exchanges.
The good: enhanced connectivity and support
For many teenagers, social media provides a space to express themselves and receive validation from friends and family. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow teenagers to showcase their talents, interests, and accomplishments, which can foster a sense of pride and connection. Social media also allows teenagers to connect with people who share similar interests or life experiences, forming online communities that offer emotional support, encouragement, and friendship.
For instance, teenagers who identify as LGBTQ+ may find social media to be a safe space where they can express their identities and connect with others who understand their experiences. Similarly, teenagers who face bullying or exclusion in real life may find solace in virtual communities where they can find understanding and acceptance.
The bad: Cyberbullying and social isolation
Despite the potential for positive interactions, social media can also exacerbate feelings of social isolation and contribute to the rise of cyberbullying. Unlike traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, reaching teenagers at any time of the day or night. The anonymity provided by the internet allows bullies to target their victims without fear of repercussions, and the wide reach of social media means that harmful messages, rumors, or threats can spread quickly.
The impact of cyberbullying on teenagers can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. The constant exposure to negative comments, exclusion, or harassment can take a toll on a teenager’s mental and emotional health.
Moreover, social media can sometimes foster a sense of superficiality in relationships. With the ability to hide behind screens, teenagers may prioritise online interactions over in-person communication, which can undermine the development of deeper, more meaningful relationships. The pressure to maintain a certain image online can lead to inauthentic relationships, where teenagers feel the need to present a perfect version of themselves, rather than being their true selves.
Academic performance and productivity
The impact of social media on academic performance is a growing concern for parents, teachers, and policymakers. On one hand, social media can offer educational benefits by providing teenagers with access to information, news, and learning resources. Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and educational blogs can enhance students’ knowledge and facilitate collaborative learning. Social media also provides a space for teenagers to discuss academic topics, share resources, and seek help from peers or teachers.
Distraction and procrastination
However, the distractions posed by social media are a significant challenge to academic success. The constant notifications, messages, and updates from social media platforms can interrupt study sessions, making it difficult for teenagers to focus on their academic work. Studies have shown that social media use is correlated with lower academic performance, as it can lead to procrastination, reduced attention span, and time mismanagement.
Teenagers often struggle to balance the demands of school with the allure of social media. The desire to stay connected and be constantly updated on the latest trends, events, or social interactions can lead to a decline in the quality of academic work and overall productivity. The temptation to check social media during study time or before bed can interfere with sleep and disrupt learning, ultimately affecting academic outcomes.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The phenomenon of “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) is another way in which social media can affect teenagers’ focus and productivity. When teenagers see their peers posting about events, parties, or social gatherings, they may feel excluded or anxious about not participating, which can distract them from their academic responsibilities. The constant urge to stay connected and engaged with online trends can make it difficult for teenagers to prioritize their studies.
Role of parents and educators
As social media continues to shape the lives of teenagers, the role of parents and educators becomes increasingly important in guiding young people toward responsible use of these platforms. It is crucial for parents and teachers to engage in open conversations about the potential risks and benefits of social media, while also setting clear boundaries and expectations.
Monitoring and supervision
Parents can help by monitoring their teenager’s social media use and setting limits on screen time. Encouraging healthy habits, such as taking breaks from screens, engaging in offline activities, and promoting face-to-face interactions, can help mitigate the negative effects of excessive social media use. Educators can also play a role by integrating media literacy into school curricula, helping students understand the impact of social media on mental health, body image, and relationships.
Encouraging critical thinking
In addition to supervision, both parents and educators need to foster critical thinking skills in teenagers. Encouraging teenagers to question the content they encounter on social media, whether it be in the form of advertisements, influencer posts, or viral trends, can help them develop a more nuanced understanding of the online world. Teaching teenagers about the dangers of social comparison, cyberbullying, and privacy risks can help them navigate social media in a healthier way.
Conclusion
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool that has transformed the way teenagers communicate, express themselves, and interact with the world. While it offers numerous benefits, such as fostering connections, promoting self-expression, and providing access to information, it also presents significant challenges, particularly regarding mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and academic performance. The impact of social media on teenagers is complex and multifaceted, and its effects can be both positive and negative depending on how it is used. Teenagers, parents, and educators need to work together to create a balanced approach to social media use that maximises its benefits while minimising its risks. Through open communication, education, and critical thinking, we can help teenagers navigate the digital world healthily and constructively.
The author, Ayesha Tabassum Shaikh, teaches Clinical Psychology at Bahria University. She is also a consulting Clinical Psychologist.