How Does Social Media Affect Teen Mental Health?

Social media is an integral part of modern teenage life. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat allow teens to connect with their peers, express themselves, and stay informed.

However, excessive use of social media can contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

According to Pew Research:

  • 95% of teens use YouTube regularly.
  • 67% of teens aged 13-17 are on TikTok.
  • 32% of teens are active on Facebook.

While social media can provide a sense of community, it also exposes teens to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and sleep disruption, all of which can negatively impact mental well-being.

How Does Social Media Affect Teen Mental Health

Is Social Media Harmful to Teens?

Many parents ask, “Is social media bad for teen mental health?” Research suggests that prolonged social media use can contribute to emotional distress.

A study by JAMA Pediatrics found that teens who spend over 3 hours per day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Reasons why social media can be harmful:

  • Increased Exposure to Negativity: Teens may encounter cyberbullying, harmful content, or unrealistic portrayals of life.
  • Lack of Sleep: Many teens stay up late scrolling, disrupting sleep patterns critical for mental health.
  • Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Social media can limit real-life social skills, making in-person interactions more challenging.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

1. Anxiety & Depression

Constant social media use has been linked to increased anxiety and depression in teens. Comparing their lives to carefully curated online personas can cause feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.

2. Cyberbullying & Online Harassment

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying follows teens into their homes. Hurtful comments, rumors, or threats can lead to extreme stress and emotional distress.

3. Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Teens are constantly bombarded with filtered images and highlight reels of others’ lives. This can lead to poor body image and low self-esteem, particularly in young girls.

4. Sleep Disruption

Many teens check social media late at night, leading to poor sleep quality. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of mood disorders and negatively impacts academic performance.

How Social Media Contributes to Anxiety and Depression

  1. Social Comparison & Jealousy: Teens compare their daily lives to the highlights of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
  2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing peers having fun without them can create stress, loneliness, and low self-worth.
  3. Reduced Real-Life Social Skills: Over-reliance on digital communication weakens face-to-face interaction abilities.
  4. Negative Content & Misinformation: Teens may encounter harmful trends, unrealistic expectations, and misinformation, affecting their mental state.
How Social Media Contributes to Anxiety and Depression

When to Seek Professional Help

If your teen is showing persistent signs of distress due to social media use, seeking professional help is crucial. Common signs include:

  • Increased anxiety, sadness, or irritability
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Declining academic performance
  • Changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Engagement in self-harm or risky behavior

Teen Mental Health Treatment in Miami

At Adolescent Wellness Academy in Miami, we specialize in helping teens manage social media-related mental health challenges. Our evidence-based programs provide:

Therapeutic Day Program

  • Day treatment with academic support
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Weekly psychiatric assessments

Intensive Outpatient Program (After-School)

  • After-school therapy sessions
  • Support for anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues
  • Parent support and family therapy

FAQs About Social Media and Teen Mental Health

How much social media use is too much for teens?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting social media to 2 hours per day to reduce mental health risks.

Can reducing social media improve teen mental health?

Yes. Studies show that taking breaks from social media improves mood, sleep, and self-esteem.

Does AWA offer therapy for social media addiction?

Yes! Our programs include therapy for social media overuse, anxiety, and depression.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.