How the Internet Impacts Mental Health for Teens

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The internet can have both a positive and negative effect on mental health for teens. Although the web is an excellent resource of information, being connected 24/7 doesn’t come without its consequences.

In this article, we’ll share more about how the internet can affect your teen’s mental health. We’ll also provide some actionable steps on how to deal with these issues.

Ways the Internet Impacts Mental Health for Teens – Pros and Cons

Over the last few years, adolescents have suffered greatly with the rise of smartphones, social media, and big tech. According to the NYT Bestseller, The Anxious Generation, this has created a mental health crisis among teens. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide have risen over the last 10 to 15 years. Therefore, it’s increasingly crucial for parents to be more aware of the pros and cons of the internet.

Advantage – Social Connections

Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to find a teenager who doesn’t use social media in one form or another. From messaging apps to video-sharing platforms, social media is one of the main ways we as a society stay connected to one another. They allow us to maintain relationships and seek emotional support when it’s needed most.

Social media can also be a great tool for teens to find a community where they are accepted. They can easily seek connections with people who share similarities with them (ex: race, gender, hobbies, skills, etc.). Even if those people are scattered across the world, social media allows them to communicate and strengthen that relationship.

Still, it’s not a replacement for face-to-face communication. Research shows that kids who spend time with their friends in real life are happier, even if they have friends online. So, the internet is best used for connections when children live in a place where not many people openly share their interests or life experiences. It also serves as a great platform for children to play games with one another and keep in touch with friends who have moved far away.

Advantage – Educational Opportunities

Online learning has become increasingly popular over the last few years. With so many different types of educational resources, kids and teens have lots of options for education. For example, online tutorials and interactive learning games can assist with their current school work. And instructional videos and online courses can teach them new skills and hobbies.

Education is important for anyone, especially young adults who are still developing their cognitive skills. Therefore, having access to information and educational resources can positively impact the mental health for teens.

Advantage – Awareness

The internet can be an amazing platform for raising awareness of social issues. This includes topics about climate change, human rights violations, political activism, and even mental health. Internet users now have up-to-date information, support networks, and organizational tools at their disposal to make a difference.

Disadvantage – Self-Esteem Issues

The internet and social media can set unrealistic standards, whether it’s beauty, money, or fame. Even if what they see isn’t real, teens are young and susceptible to giving in to this type of pressure. They often compare their lives to the perfect image that is portrayed online and can feel anxiety if they don’t fit in.

Disadvantage – Bullying and Harassment

One of the biggest threats to adolescents who use the internet is the exposure to harmful content. Nearly 2 in 3 teens say they often see hate-based images or text on their social media platforms. This type of exposure can promote unhealthy behaviors and negatively influence their beliefs.

The internet also makes it possible for other people to bully or harass your teen. Any amount of bullying can have psychological consequences (in person or online). However, the internet makes it easier for people to hide behind their anonymity, increasing the likelihood of encountering an issue.

And in the same vein, you’ll want to look out for signs to ensure your child isn’t a bully.

Disadvantage – Misinformation

It’s true what they say – you can’t trust everything you read on the internet. Misinformation is a huge problem and downside to using the web. It’s an unfiltered platform where people can share whatever they want, including inaccurate or dangerous information.

How to Encourage Healthy Internet Habits

As a parent, educator, or family member, it’s your duty to educate teens about the risks and benefits of the internet. By encouraging healthy habits, you can minimize the negative impact that can come with being connected online. Here are a few tips to help them explore the digital world responsibly.

Set limits: Studies have shown that the amount of time they spend online also makes a difference to their mental health. Excessive internet usage has been linked to disruptions in a teen’s neural network, a brain function related to decision making. Therefore, it’s important to limit internet and social media use to less than three hours a day.
Create open discussions: Talk to your teens about the safety and health issues of being on the internet. And have regular check-ins about their online activities and experiences of what they encounter.
Model healthy behaviors: Teens learn a lot from what other people do around them. Demonstrate healthy behaviors by limiting your own internet and smartphone usage.
Explore non-screen activities: The world is a fascinating place outside of the internet! While it can be tempting to enjoy it from your computer or phone, it’s important to have interests in the physical world. Have your teen explore offline activities, like sports, reading, arts, or face-to-face interaction.
Seek professional help: Mental health comes in many forms and may not be easily recognizable. If you feel your teen is suffering from a mental health issue, it’s vital to seek professional help.

Tools for Preventing Mental Health Issues

At the end of the day, the internet can be a useful tool for kids and teens – as long as it’s in moderation. While you can’t monitor everything they see and do, you can help them create a healthy relationship with technology. If you’re looking for more mental health resources, then take a look at our watch list of films and TV shows. We also have a few self-care practices that can help your teen be the happiest and healthiest version of themselves!