It’s no surprise that social media has captivated the minds and attention of America's adolescent population. This has become even more pronounced during the pandemic when the social lives of teens became mostly digital. But adolescence is the second biggest period of brain development and growth and, because of that, social media can have a big impact on the adolescent brain.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that teens who use social media more than three hours per day may be at heightened risk for mental health problems. Since the pandemic, there has been an uptick in depression and anxiety among teens, specifically low self-esteem, disordered eating, body image issues and suicidal thoughts.

"Social media is designed to hook our brains, and teens are especially susceptible to its addictiveness,” says Nancy DeAngelis, CRNP, Director of Behavioral Health, Jefferson Health - Abington. Being aware of the addictiveness of social media and how to help your teens struggling with its effects is crucial.

How Social Media Works on the Brain

Studies have shown that social media has a powerful effect on the brain, and it can create stimulating effects similar to addiction.

Once the brain experiences these rushes of dopamine and pleasure, the high from social media becomes harder and harder for anyone to resist, creating patterns of addictive behavior.

Why Teens Are Particularly Vulnerable

Adolescence is the second biggest period of growth in the brain. Because teens’ brains and social skills are rapidly developing, they are particularly susceptible to the addictiveness of social media.

“The overuse of social media can actually rewire a young child or teen’s brain to constantly seek out immediate gratification, leading to obsessive, compulsive and addictive behaviors,” says DeAngelis. “This is what can make mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and body dysmorphia worse.”

Adolescents who use social media from a very young age are more in danger of developing these disorders and future addictive behaviors. DeAngelis says, “It’s extremely important that parents and guardians of young children and teens pay attention to the symptoms of these mental health disorders and take note if their child is spending too much time on their screen or begins to lie about their internet use.”

How Parents and Guardians Can Help

Fortunately, parents and guardians who notice these effects on their children can take several measures to help them develop a healthy relationship with social media instead. Try these strategies:

• Help your teen develop effective coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their stress, anxiety, frustration or sadness. This can include exercise, team sports or talk therapy. Try to get them outside to experience nature, if possible.
• Work with your teen to manage their screen time. Communicate with them and agree on healthy boundaries to help them reorient their relationship with social media from escapism and distraction to a tool for enjoyment or information. Encourage and empower them to practice these boundaries on their own with your support.
• Agree on long-term goals and strategies to help your teen sustain a healthy relationship with social media. Find the type of support that works for your teen—time with friends, talking to a loved one or therapy—and encourage them to seek out this support the next time they experience negative emotions, feel overwhelmed or are preoccupied as a result of social media.

If your teen is struggling with their mental or physical health, or the challenges of everyday life, talk to their primary care provider for resources to help.