Widely considered to be one of the major public health issues of our times, mental health is currently the focus of much scientific research, as well as new prevention strategies.
This is especially the case when it comes to children and adolescents, whose mental health has deteriorated considerably since the pandemic. In fact, one in seven young people aged 10 to 19, or 14%, experiences such conditions, according to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.
But does the pandemic alone explain this deterioration? Not according to the children’s parents, who believe social networks play a major role in the wellbeing of their offspring.
A recent US survey reports the concern felt by a majority of parents about the role played by social networks in the development of mental disorders in young people.
Half of parents of kids below age 18 say the mental health of their children has deteriorated over the last 12 months because of social media.
Moreover, the number of mums and dads who feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their children has dropped from 91% in 2022 to just 86% this year.
The study also found that more than two-thirds of parents (69%) believe image-editing applications and filters popular on social media have a negative impact on their children’s body image or self-esteem.
The majority of parents (65%) also agree that topics related to appearance on social media, such as dieting and exercise, have a negative impact on body image among the young.
“A child’s feelings about their body can affect their mental health, and we know that social media can affect everything from purchasing choices to perception of beauty,” said paediatric psychologist Erin McTiernan.
“Unfortunately, children are the most vulnerable to unrealistic body-image expectations set by these platforms. They can be exposed to thousands of messages every day about how to look, what to do, and who to be.”
The importance of communication
The survey highlights some positive aspects of social media in terms of communication, information, solidarity, or the fight against loneliness and isolation, but these seem to be increasingly overshadowed by more harmful effects.
Barely more than a third of Americans (35%) now say social media has a positive influence on children’s mental health, compared with 43% last year. This is despite the safety measures now in place on some of these platforms.
“This is a positive step, but parents can’t trust that this is enough,” explained paediatric psychologist Ariana Hoet.
“Social media has the ability to increase anxiety and depression in children when used inappropriately, as well as potentially open them up to inappropriate sharing, hurtful language, bullying and more.”
The study experts encourage parents to talk to their children. Specifically, they recommend talking about their children’s favourite content, channels or influencers, developing a plan to manage their online time, and talking about good practices to adopt on social networks.
This involves warning children about the potential dangers they may face on these platforms, and reassuring them that they can ask for help if they have a problem.
“Be curious about what your child is doing on social media. Taking an active role in their social media engagement – instead of simply limiting their exposure – can help them feel comfortable to ask questions, report concerns, and seek help when they need it,” Hoet added.