Social Media and Teen Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide

Teen years are always one of the hardest parts of life. Young people are mid-way through a transformation from children into adults and often feel ‘clueless’ about navigating this transition. But this challenging phase is even harder today, with the added complication of life in the digital era. At The Grove, we often work with families who are having difficulty coping with how social media affects their children.

While technology provides connection, it also sends a constant message of pressure and, at times, fear. Knowing how to shepherd your teen through this digital landscape is crucial for their mental health.

The Unique Vulnerabilities of the Teenage Brain Online

The teenage brain is not fully developed, particularly when it comes to the regions dealing with impulse control and emotion regulation. At the same time, the social brain is overcharged; teens are biologically wired to seek peer approval.

Social media sites take advantage of this weakness. Likes, comments, and shares provide quick feedback loops that can be addictive. When a teenager posts a photo and is then waiting for peer approval or validation, it can become a risk to their self-worth. At the same time, FOMO (fear of missing out) and the idea that their life must look curated and perfect online can cause anxiety and feelings of failure.

More Than Just Screen Time: Understanding the Risks of Passive vs. Active Use

Not all screen time is created equal. It’s useful to understand the difference between passive and active use. Active use involves creating content, messaging friends one-on-one or in groups, or developing a new skill – all positive things for connection and imagination.

Passive use, on the other hand, is more harmful. For example, scrolling feeds mindlessly for hours – known as ‘doomscrolling’. This kind of passive exposure is where the comparison trap works best. If you observe your teen’s mood after long hours of passive scrolling, they are probably more withdrawn and moody compared to if they were playing video games or talking to friends online.

Leading by Example: Setting Tech Boundaries as a Parent

We can’t expect teens to have healthy boundaries unless we teach them. If you’re scrolling through your emails or social media while having dinner or when talking to your child, you signal to them that the device comes first.

Establish ‘tech-free’ zones in your home – for example, the dining table or bedrooms after a certain hour. Frame these boundaries not as obstacles, but rather as chances for the family to reunite.

Fostering Open Communication About Online Experiences

In family counselling sessions, we stress that issues frequently arise from misunderstandings and can often be corrected through good communication. Encouraging open dialogue about online moments is a better answer than banning social media altogether, which can encourage secrecy.

Aim for an open and curious approach. Ask your teenager what they see online and how they feel about certain apps. Share your own thoughts with them. Keeping the lines of communication open allows them to feel safe. If they experience cyberbullying or see disturbing content, they can turn to you for help. Let them know that they will not be punished for telling the truth.

When to Seek a Professional Child or Teen Counsellor

At times, support from a parent isn’t enough. If you feel that your teen’s behaviour has gradually taken a serious decline – withdrawal from in-person activities, disturbance in routine sleep, indications of depression and anxiety, for instance – it may be time to consider getting professional help.

At The Grove Counselling & Therapy, we specialise in child and teen counselling. We offer a space where young people can share their feelings without fear of judgment. We also provide family counselling to assist in resolving conflicts between family members. Book a free 20-minute consultation via phone or video call to determine whether we are able to provide the right type of counselling for your family.