The effects of social media on young people’s mental health are still unclear. Despite this, U.S. lawmakers, state legislatures, and the Surgeon General have begun implementing age restrictions and warning labels for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Researchers, pediatricians, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine caution that focusing solely on the negative aspects of social media might overlook its potential benefits for teenagers.
In June, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended warning labels for social media sites. On July 30, the Senate passed two significant bills: the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act. Over 30 states are also considering legislation that includes age restrictions, parental consent requirements, and new digital literacy courses for students.
While some studies highlight the harms of social media, such as distorted reality from algorithm-driven content, constant notifications disrupting sleep, and the potential for cyberbullying due to anonymity, social media can also offer benefits. Linda Charmaraman, a research scientist at the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab at Wellesley Centers for Women, points out that social media can be a lifeline for marginalized groups, including children of color and LGBTQ+ youth.
Charmaraman’s research shows that social media helps these groups feel less isolated and more affirmed in their identities. “Initially, you might think banning social media is the solution,” Charmaraman said. “But for many, it provides a sense of identity affirmation that they might not find elsewhere.”
Arianne McCullough, a 17-year-old student at Willamette University, uses Instagram to connect with other Black students in a predominantly white institution. “Being able to quickly connect with someone and make plans is crucial,” McCullough explained.
McCullough’s experience with social media was not always positive. During the pandemic, she gained weight and saw constant promotions for workout and diet products on her feed, which led to negative body comparisons. “I felt irritable, distracted, and sad,” McCullough said. After reducing her social media use, she felt happier but struggled with the fear of missing out.
The rise in mental health issues among youth predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Behavioral surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show increased feelings of hopelessness and sadness among high school students.
Social media’s role in this crisis is debated. A committee from the National Academies of Sciences found the relationship between social media and youth mental health to be complex, with both potential benefits and harms. The committee’s report called for more research to understand social media’s effects better.
The report also warned that age and time restrictions, such as those implemented in Utah, might have unintended consequences. These measures could isolate young people from their support systems, contrary to their intended purpose.
Some states have implemented policies in line with the national academies’ recommendations. Virginia and Maryland, for example, have passed laws to protect children’s privacy and prevent the sale of their personal data. Other states, like Colorado and Georgia, have developed curricula to educate students on social media’s mental health impacts.
The Kids Online Safety Act, currently before the House of Representatives, proposes parental consent for users under 13 and a “duty of care” for companies to protect users under 17 from mental health issues. The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act aims to ban targeted advertising and data collection for minors.
Lawsuits have been filed against Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) by several states, alleging misleading information about social media’s risks and ignoring its mental health impacts.
Despite existing age restrictions and safety features, the Department of Justice has sued TikTok’s parent company for allegedly violating child privacy laws and allowing underage users on the platform.
Public support for age restrictions and parental consent is strong. However, industry groups like NetChoice, which includes Meta and Alphabet (Google’s parent company), have challenged state laws on age limits and other regulations.
Jenny Radesky, a co-director at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, believes that age restrictions and parental consent may not address the core issue: social media’s business models designed to maximize engagement and profits. “We’ve created a system that prioritizes profit over youth mental health,” Radesky said.
