Social Media and Children’s Mental Health: Understanding the Risks During Mental Health Awareness Month
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Introduction
As we continue our Mental Health Awareness Month blog series, it’s essential to turn our attention to a growing concern: the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital age. Following our first two posts on mental health in the workplace and understanding men’s mental health, this third instalment explores the impact of social media on young minds.
Social media can be a source of connection and creativity, but for many children and teens, it can also increase anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. As academic publishers committed to sharing evidence-based insight, Taylor & Francis is proud to spotlight important research and expert resources during Mental Health Awareness Month 2025.
Children’s Mental Health Is in Crisis
Mental health issues among children and adolescents have surged in the last decade. According to the CDC, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–24 in the United States. Rates of depression and anxiety are rising, and digital technology plays a growing role.
In a world where screen time and social media engagement begin at increasingly younger ages, researchers are examining the links between online behavior and emotional well-being. What they’re finding points to an urgent need for awareness, education, and responsible intervention.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media platforms can offer young people community, self-expression, and even mental health support. But these same platforms can also expose them to relentless comparison, cyberbullying, and harmful content that affects their self-esteem and overall mental health.
The most common risks include:
Anxiety and depression: Studies have shown that excessive social media use correlates with symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in teenage girls.
Sleep disruption: Constant connectivity and fear of missing out (FOMO) can interfere with sleep patterns, further impacting mood and cognitive development.
Cyberbullying: Online harassment is widespread, and victims often suffer in silence. It is linked to higher rates of depression, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts.
Addiction and screen dependence: Many adolescents struggle with setting boundaries, which may interfere with real-world relationships, academic performance, and physical activity.
Unrealistic comparison: Social media often presents curated, idealized versions of life, leading teens to compare themselves unfavorably to others. This can damage self-esteem, foster body image issues, and contribute to feelings of inadequacy or failure.
A Cultural Reflection: Netflix’s Adolescence
The recent British drama Adolescence, released on Netflix in March 2025, has ignited global conversations about the intersection of youth, social media, and mental health. The series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate, delving into themes of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and the influence of the “manosphere”—a term used to describe online communities that promote misogynistic ideologies (Reuters).
Shot in a continuous one-take style, the series has been praised for its raw portrayal of teenage turmoil and the subtle yet profound impact of online environments on young minds (Wikipedia).
The show’s resonance has been so significant that it has prompted discussions at the governmental level, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsing its availability in schools to foster national dialogue on youth violence and online safety (Reuters).
Evidence-Based Insights from Leading Experts
To better understand these challenges—and how we can collectively respond—Taylor & Francis has curated a targeted collection of authoritative titles exploring the intersection of social media, education, and youth mental health. These resources are designed to support early intervention, informed teaching, and evidence-based care across developmental stages:
Explore the whole collection, where you’ll find essential resources for educators, practitioners, academics, and policymakers working to improve outcomes for young people.
What Can We Do? Recommendations for Parents, Educators, and Practitioners
Promote open dialogue: Start conversations early about social media use, online safety, and emotional well-being. Children need to feel heard without fear of judgment.
Set clear boundaries: Establish screen-time limits and encourage offline activities such as sports, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
Use research-based tools: Utilize screening tools and school-based interventions grounded in psychological research to detect early signs of distress.
Model healthy behavior: Children often mimic the behavior of adults. Be mindful of your screen habits and the emotional responses they evoke in you.
Looking Ahead: A Month-Long Mental Health Series
This post is Part 3 of our four-part series for Mental Health Awareness Month. In case you missed it, check out Part 1: Mental Health in the Workplace: Improving Employee Wellbeing and part 2, Understanding Men’s Mental Health.
Coming up:
– Part 4: Building Resilience and Coping Strategies. Make sure to bookmark our Mental Health & Psychology blog hub for updates.
Conclusion: Turning Awareness into Action
During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s vital to highlight how the digital world shapes our youngest minds. While social media isn’t inherently harmful, its misuse—or lack of oversight—can have devastating consequences.
At Taylor & Francis, we’re committed to equipping educators, mental health professionals, and families with the tools and research needed to support children and adolescents in navigating this complex landscape. Together, through open dialogue and evidence-based practice, we can safeguard the next generation’s mental well-being.
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