Social media has become a big part of our lives, especially for teenagers. While it can be a great way to connect with friends and share fun moments, it’s important to understand how it can also be harmful.
1. Pressure to be perfect
Social media often shows people living their “best life” — perfect photos, exciting holidays, and flawless appearances. But these posts usually don’t show the whole story. Teens may feel like they need to measure up to these unrealistic standards, which can lead to:
- Low self-esteem: Feeling like they’re not good enough.
- Body image issues: Comparing themselves to edited or filtered photos.
2. Cyberbullying
Social media makes it easy for people to say hurtful things without facing real-life consequences. Cyberbullying can be even worse than face-to-face bullying because it can happen anytime, anywhere. The effects can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trouble focusing at school or enjoying life
3. Addiction to likes and notifications
Social media platforms are designed to keep users hooked. Teens may start to crave the attention they get from likes, comments, and followers. This can lead to:
- Spending too much time online
- Feeling anxious or sad when posts don’t get enough attention
4. Sleep problems
Teens often use their phones late at night to scroll through social media. This can:
- Keep their minds active when they should be winding down
- Lead to less sleep, which affects mood, focus, and overall health
5. Exposure to inappropriate content
Social media doesn’t always filter out harmful or inappropriate content. Teens might come across:
- Violent videos
- Dangerous trends
- Unrealistic beauty or fitness goals
How to stay safe on social media
Parents and teens can take steps to minimise the harmful effects of social media:
- Set time limits: Use apps to track and limit time spent on social media.
- Talk openly: Discuss how social media makes you feel and share any concerns.
- Curate feeds: Follow accounts that promote positivity and unfollow those that make you feel bad.
- Take breaks: Regularly step away from social media to focus on real-life connections and activities.
- Learn privacy settings: Make sure accounts are private and personal information is protected.
Social media isn’t all bad, but it’s important to use it wisely. Teens should be aware of the risks and know they don’t have to be perfect or compare themselves to others online. With healthy habits and open communication, social media can be a tool for connection rather than a source of stress.
