In 2025, social media is more deeply embedded in children’s lives than ever before. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and immersive new apps offer kids opportunities to express themselves creatively, stay connected with friends, and explore new ideas. For many, these platforms are a source of inspiration and belonging. However, as digital life becomes more central, concerns about its impact on young people’s mental and emotional well-being are growing.
Recent research from the Pew Research Center reveals a complex picture. While some teens thrive online, nearly one in five say that social media has a negative effect on their mental health. This perception has grown significantly in recent years—48% of teens now believe social media has a mostly negative impact on people their age, up from just 32% in 2022. Among teen girls, the effects appear even more pronounced, with one in four reporting that social media harms their mental health and half saying it disrupts their sleep.
Experts warn that excessive or unmonitored use can interfere with emotional development. The Kids Mental Health Foundation notes that children who spend large amounts of time online may struggle with interpreting nonverbal cues or managing conflict in real life, which can lead to social isolation or difficulty forming meaningful relationships. In fact, teens who spend more than two hours a day on social media are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Cyberbullying remains a persistent issue, with 87% of teens reporting they’ve experienced it in some form. And while social media can be a place for self-expression, it can also be a source of comparison and insecurity—60% of users say it negatively affects their self-esteem.
Still, the goal isn’t to eliminate social media from kids’ lives. Instead, it’s about helping them use it in healthy, balanced ways. Parents and educators play a crucial role in this process. Drawing from recent research and expert guidance, here are several strategies that can make a meaningful difference:
Simple Ways to Support Kids’ Healthy Social Media Use
- Talk About It Often – Keep the conversation going. Ask kids what they’re seeing online, how it makes them feel, and what they think about it.
- Set Clear, Consistent Boundaries – Work together to create screen time rules and tech-free times—like during meals or before bed.
- Teach Smart Online Habits – Help kids think critically about what they see online. Talk about how to spot fake content, handle peer pressure, and protect their privacy.
- Encourage Real-Life Activities – Support hobbies, sports, and in-person friendships to help balance screen time with meaningful offline experiences.
- Be a Role Model – Show healthy tech habits yourself—like putting your phone away during family time or taking breaks from screens.
- Create a Family Media Plan – Make a simple plan together that outlines when, where, and how devices can be used. This helps set expectations and builds trust.
With the right guidance, children can learn to navigate the digital world with confidence—embracing its benefits while avoiding its pitfalls.
Resources on how to start a media use plan:
American Academy of Pediatrics: AAP Media Plan
Kids Mental Health Foundation: Social Media Family Plan
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use
Dunlap, G., & Fox, L. (2014). Supportive interventions for young children with social, emotional, and behavioral delays and disorders. In H. M. Walker & F. M. Gresham (Eds.), Handbook of evidence-based practices for emotional and behavioral disorders: Applications in schools (pp. 503–517). The Guilford Press.
Pew Research Center. (2025). Teens and social media: Mental health and digital life. [Data set].
Kids Mental Health Foundation. (2025). Annual report on youth digital wellness. [White paper].
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (July 24 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
