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The positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health

8 November 2021

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The positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health

Social media is now a fundamental part of childhood. According to Ofcom’s 2021 report, 95% of children are using some form of social media by age 15. Although great for socialising and creative expression, how do platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube impact mental health?

Young people use social media for a variety of reasons. For some, social media is an excellent way to connect with others, manage social anxiety and access valuable support and reassurance. However, for others, scrolling through feeds can become a compulsive addiction, fuelling unhealthy comparisons, and exposing young people to inappropriate content.

Positive Effects

Social media platforms provide opportunities to socialise, play, and learn, and can positively impact mental health by helping young people:


Negative Effects

Interactive technologies are relatively new, and research into short- and long-term consequences is limited. However, multiple studies have linked high usage to increased risk of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.

Potential risks of social media include:


While social media may be exacerbating existing mental health problems rather than causing them, it is clear that tighter regulations, and education on how to use it safely is needed. If we can create a safe online environment, social media has the potential to be an effective tool for mental health communication. But who’s responsibility is it to regulate young people’s activity?

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Article date 8 November 2021

Article written by Imogen Clifford, Assistant Psychologist, Bristol CBT Clinic