Social media platforms have transformed how people interact with each other, especially with the younger generation.

From keeping up with what their friends are doing, to discovering new interests and hobbies, social media has become an integral part of modern-day communication. While these platforms have made communication and information-sharing easier, studies have shown that social media is having a negative effect on our children that needs to be addressed.

Impact on Mental Health

Social media can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health.

According to one study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the prolonged use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can eventually develop into chronic mental health issues.

This is primarily because social media has a tendency to warp reality. Children are exposed to unrealistic expectations of beauty, wealth, and success which can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Meanwhile, others may exaggerate their accomplishments or their life experiences to gain social media followers and build an ideal image in the eyes of others. Thus, children are exposed to an artificial reality that leaves them feeling inadequate, leading to a vicious cycle of anxiety and depression.

Social Media’s Impact on Body Image

Social media has a significant impact on how children perceive their bodies. The idealized body types portrayed on these platforms can lead children to negative body image issues at an early age.

Studies have shown that children spend substantially more time on social media than other age groups, and this exposure can have a profound impact on their body image. Images of people considered beautiful, thin, or muscular can have a devastating effect on children’s self-esteem.

They may feel pressured to match this ideal, triggering harmful eating patterns, excessive exercising, and in extreme cases, mental health disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

Online harassment and bullying

Social media platforms are also infamous for becoming breeding grounds for bullying and harassment. Due to the anonymity social media provides, children can be more likely to engage in negative behavior towards others.

The “Cancel Culture” has led to people being targeted on social media for something they did/said in the past. Sometimes this extends to their family and friends too.

The rise of cyberbullying has led to severe depression, anxiety, and, in some cases, suicide. Online bullying can take many forms, including name-calling, threats, or even sharing inappropriate photos or videos without one’s consent.

It becomes incredibly challenging for children to cope with these attacks and their impact in real life, leading to a severe decline in mental health.

Impact on Sleep Patterns

Social media usage also interferes with children’s sleep patterns. It has been established that social media usage can affect a child’s circadian rhythm, which can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia.

Many children spend hours on their devices, scrolling through the unending feed of social media platforms, leaving them tired and lethargic the following day. Sufficient rest and sleep are crucial for a child’s development, which is compromised by the overuse of social media.

Internet Addiction

Social media platforms can be addictive, leading to what can be called internet addiction.

The constant need to check notifications, updates, and messages can lead to children becoming addicted to social media platforms, leading to dependency on the internet. This addiction can interfere with a child’s other activities, including hobbies, games, and studying, leading to decreased attention span, decreased productivity and generalized disinterest in other activities.

Impact on Personal Relationships

Social media can also harm personal relationships, replacing real-life interactions with virtual ones.

Constant social media usage can lead to children prioritizing social media over real-life interactions, which can deteriorate friendships and important family relationships. Children become reliant on social media platforms to stay up to date with their friends and family, leading to fewer face-to-face interactions. This can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings and even lost friendships.

Impact on academic performance

Social media’s constant distractions can have significant effects on children’s academic performance.

Social media usage can lead to pressure, anxiety, and less attention span, leading to poor grades, late or incomplete assignments, and poor attendance. Children tend to be glued to their screens— mostly social media platforms —leading to decreased productivity levels.

In contrast, students who have a social media-free environment tend to perform better academically, due to their reduced exposure and the distractions provided by these platforms.

Given the potential risks that social media poses to children, it may be necessary to limit their exposure to social media platforms to keep them healthy and protected.

Parents, caregivers, and schools should monitor and regulate children’s social media interactions, establish rules and limits on screen-time, offer regular breaks, and limit access to social media during bedtime and study periods.

Focusing on other activities such as sports, hobbies, music, and creative arts can be beneficial in supporting children’s mental, physical, and social growth, while reducing dependency on social media.

Finding alternate activities is key to reducing social media consumption and dependency, which, in turn, leads to better sleep, academic performance, and improved interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion

Social media platforms can have a significant impact on a child’s mental, social, and physical well-being.

The negative impacts of social media range from mental health problems, to body image issues, internet addiction, poor academic performance, and strained personal relationships. As responsible adults, we must take necessary measures to limit our children’s exposure to social media, making sure that they are healthy, happy and safe.