Social Media and Mental Health

 W26-Capstone Consolidate-ULTRA

Blog Post #4

Social Media and Mental Health

By Dr. Mohamad Bachar Abou Al Shaar

 

Social media has become a major part of everyday life for many children and teenagers. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube allow young people to communicate with friends, share experiences, and explore their interests. In many ways, social media can have positive benefits. It allows youth to stay connected, express themselves creatively, and learn about topics that matter to them. Some young people also find supportive communities online where they can share experiences and feel understood by others who may be going through similar challenges.

 

However, social media can also affect mental health when it is used excessively or when young people begin comparing themselves to others online. Many posts on social media show only the best parts of people’s lives, such as vacations, achievements, or carefully edited photos. This can create unrealistic expectations and lead teens to feel that their own lives are not as exciting or successful. Constant comparison can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and sadness. Some adolescents may also feel pressure to receive likes, comments, or approval from others, which can increase stress and emotional vulnerability.

 

Another concern related to social media use is the amount of time spent online. Spending long hours scrolling through content or interacting online may interfere with sleep, school responsibilities, and real-life relationships. For example, teens who stay up late using their phones may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress during the day. Excessive screen time may also reduce opportunities for physical activity, hobbies, and meaningful face-to-face interactions, all of which are important for healthy emotional development.

 

Cyberbullying is another serious issue that can occur through social media platforms. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen at any time and may reach a wide audience quickly. Hurtful messages, exclusion from online groups, or the spreading of embarrassing images or rumors can deeply affect a young person’s emotional wellbeing. Children and teens who experience cyberbullying may feel isolated, anxious, or ashamed, and they may be afraid to talk about what is happening. This highlights the importance of supportive adults who are willing to listen and provide guidance.

 

Despite these concerns, social media can still be used in positive and healthy ways. Many young people use online platforms to learn new skills, find helpful information about mental health, and stay connected with supportive friends and family members. Social media can also provide opportunities for advocacy, creativity, and education. The key is helping youth develop healthy boundaries and balanced technology habits.

 

Parents, caregivers, and educators play an important role in guiding young people toward healthier social media use. Encouraging open conversations about online experiences can help children and teens feel comfortable discussing challenges they may face. Setting reasonable screen-time limits, creating technology-free times such as during meals or before bedtime, and encouraging offline activities like sports, hobbies, and family time can all support a healthier balance. It is also important to teach young people that what they see online does not always reflect real life.

 

In conclusion, social media is neither entirely harmful nor entirely beneficial. Its impact depends on how it is used and how it affects the individual using it. By promoting balance, awareness, and supportive communication, adults can help children and teens build a healthier relationship with technology and protect their mental health in today’s digital world.

 

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use

 

Canadian Paediatric Society. (2022). Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Retrieved from https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-preschool-children

 

Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2019). The Common Sense Census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2019. Common Sense Media. Retrieved from

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2019

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Proposal

  Dear Instructor, I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to share my proposed weekly topics for Project 2 (10 blog posts) and to ask for your approval before I start writing. Proposed weekly titles: Anxiety in Kids Depression in Teens What Is ADHD? Social Media and Mental Health Trauma and Children Anger and Big Feelings Sleep and Teen Stress Bullying and Cyberbullying Self-Harm Warning Signs Building Resilience in Kids Please let me know if these titles are acceptable or if you’d like me to adjust any of them. Thank you, Dr. Mohamad Bachar Abou Al Shaar MH2013 Capstone Consolidation Student
Read more

Trauma and Children

Image
  W26-Capstone Consolidate-ULTRA Blog Post #5 Trauma and Children By Dr. Mohamad Bachar Abou Al Shaar   Trauma is an experience that can overwhelm a child’s ability to cope and feel safe. It may occur when a child goes through frightening, stressful, or harmful events that make them feel powerless or threatened. Examples of traumatic experiences may include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, serious accidents, natural disasters, the loss of a loved one, or ongoing family conflict. While adults may sometimes assume that children will simply “move on” from difficult experiences, trauma can have lasting emotional and behavioural effects if a child does not receive the support they need.   Children often express trauma differently than adults. Instead of clearly talking about their feelings, they may show distress through changes in behaviour, emotions, or physical symptoms. For example, a child who has experienced trauma may become more anxious, withdrawn, or...
Read more