Social media platforms has become an essential part of everyone’s life, especially the modern child. Today’s children and young adults have tons of tools to connect with others. However, despite the increase in technology and tools, the problem we often face is that modern children do not thrive. This duality highlights the need to explore both the positive and negative effects of social media as its impact on young people becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
Pros: Why is Social Media Beneficial?
Social media and technology provide unmatched convenience and connectivity, offering numerous advantages:
- Staying in touch with family and friends globally through email, texting, FaceTime, and other platforms.
- Instant access to information and resources for research.
- Opportunities for online learning, skill development, and content discovery (e.g., YouTube).
- Participation in civic activities, such as fundraising, raising awareness, and amplifying voices.
Social media can be positive, but teens should trust their instincts if they encounter something unsettling. It’s essential to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher, especially in cases of bullying, threats, or harmful content. These behaviors often indicate that the person responsible may need help.
Cons: Why is Social Media Problematic?
Despite its benefits, social media poses several challenges,
especially in mental health issues:
1. Online vs. Reality on Social Media Sites
Social media sites often blur the line between online and real-life interactions. Many users replace face-to-face communication with digital connections, which weakens real social lives. These “friends” online are often strangers, making it harder to build genuine relationships.
2. Excessive Use Leads to Mental Health Problems
Spending too much time on social media content can lead to serious mental health problems. Social media companies provide easy access to platforms where users may face cyberbullying, fake news, social anxiety, depression, and even inappropriate content.
3. Addiction Has a Significant Impact on Mental Health
Social media addiction is one of the leading causes of mood instability. The constant rewards from likes and comments mimic game mechanics, triggering dopamine and reinforcing addictive behavior. This can significantly impact users’ mental health and emotional well-being.
4. FOMO Damages Real-Life Connections
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) makes users compulsively check their social media sites. This constant need to stay updated can disrupt sleep, raise anxiety, and negatively affect both mental health and offline social lives.
5. Self-Esteem Issues and Unrealistic Comparisons
Social media companies often promote curated and filtered content that fosters comparison. This increases self esteem issues, especially among young users.
Overexposure can lead to low self esteem, social isolation, and even eating disorders in extreme cases. While not the root cause, social media content amplifies these issues by making them more visible and accessible.
Social Media Alters the Teen Brains and Activities
Since 2010, data has shown a concerning rise in teen anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. This coincides with the growing use of social media among young people. Children and adolescents miss out on the important bonds from interacting with others in their environment.
One of the most significant losses children face due to social media is the decrease in time spent with friends in real life. This affects their emotional well-being and physical health—many report a loss of sleep due to late-night scrolling and constant notifications.
The situation worsens when it impacts academic performance and personal safety. Many students find it increasingly difficult to keep up with schoolwork, and many go on to experience depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Research shows that as social media use increases, so do the rates of these tragic outcomes. The very platforms meant to connect our children are instead leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and despair.
Read Also: Social Media Boundaries Parent Should Know
How Do We Address This? 7 Rules to Reduce the Negative Impact of Using Social Media
To reduce the negative consequences and effects of social media, parents can guide their children toward healthier digital habits. At a recent parent seminar at SPH Kemang Village, Mark Thiessen, Head of School, shared seven practical rules to protect kids online.
1. Set Clear Rules for Cellphone Use
Establish specific boundaries around when and how long children can use their phones. For example, allow usage only after homework and limit screen time to 1 hour per day. This not only reduces mood-altering experiences, such as the constant need for likes, but also encourages healthier digital habits and better focus on offline activities.
2. Delay Social Media Until Age 14
Avoid letting children under 14 use social platforms. Their brains are still developing, especially in areas related to judgment and impulse control. Early exposure can lead to self image issues, anxiety, or even rising suicide rates in extreme cases.
3. Parental Control and Access to All Accounts
Stay involved by using parental controls and knowing your child’s account details. This isn’t spying—it’s protection. It helps manage privacy concerns, prevent exposure to harmful content, and reduce risks from strangers online.
Read Also: How to Develop Media Literacy in Children: 5 Tips
4. No Phones in School or Overnight
Phones should be off during school hours and bedtime. Night use affects sleep, mood, and academic focus. Limiting access at night also helps protect children from content that might cause body dissatisfaction or damage their real life relationships.
5. Encourage Independence and Free Time
Support kids in doing activities outside screens—sports, hobbies, or just playing outdoors. These moments build confidence, social skills, and reduce dependence on social media for validation. Offline time offers many benefits, including improved focus and self-worth.
6. Do Face to Face Interactions
Help children build strong real life relationships by encouraging more in-person interactions. Talking face-to-face teaches empathy and better communication—skills often lost online. Family meals without phones or team sports are great places to start.
7. Teach Them About Digital Literacy
Educate your children to think critically about what they see online. Teach them how to spot fake news, protect their privacy, and understand the impact of what they post. This builds long-term awareness and can have a positive impact on their online behavior.
In conclusion, the increase in social media use has a strong and undeniable impact on the lives of our children. While the platforms themselves are not inherently harmful, their overuse and misuse have irreversible effects on young people’s mental, emotional, and social development. It is essential for parents, educators, and communities to guide children toward healthier relationships and balanced use of technology.
In addition, it’s important for parents to choose a school with a safe and nurturing community that will support their growth academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout their learning journey. Here at Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), our school is committed to partnering with parents in nurturing their children by regularly holding parent seminars on various relevant topics, including the one we discussed in this article. These events empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate challenges and foster their children’s growth effectively.
If you’re looking for an international school in Indonesia that prioritizes holistic development and parental involvement, contact us today to learn more about SPH!
*This article is written based on a Parent Seminar held by SPH Kemang Village, with Mark Thiessen, Head of School at SPH Kemang Village, as the key speaker.
