In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life, especially for children and adolescents. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning. However, they also bring challenges such as cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and the pressure to maintain a digital persona. Helping children navigate these challenges is essential for their mental and emotional well-being.
Challenges of Social Media for Children
- Cyberbullying
One of the biggest dangers connected to social media is cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, it occurs online, often anonymously, making it more pervasive and harder to escape. Victims of cyberbullying can experience anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem.
- Unrealistic Comparisons
Social media often highlights idealised versions of life, leading children to compare themselves with influencers and peers. This can result in feelings of inadequacy and body image issues, particularly in impressionable adolescents.
- Addiction and Overuse
Many children struggle to balance their online and offline lives. Excessive screen time can interfere with sleep disturbance, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions, affecting overall health and development.
- Privacy and Safety Concerns
Children may unknowingly share personal information online, exposing themselves to risks like identity theft or predatory behaviour. Educating them about online safety is crucial.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Social media creates constant connectivity, which can make children feel excluded when they see friends taking part in activities without them. This fear of missing out can lead to feelings of isolation and stress.
Strategies for Parents and Educators
- Open Communication
Encourage open and honest conversations about social media. Discuss its benefits and risks and listen to your child’s experiences and concerns. Creating a safe space for dialogue helps children feel supported.
- Set Healthy Boundaries
Establish guidelines for screen time and encourage regular breaks from devices. Family-wide digital detoxes can help create a balance between online and offline activities.
- Teach Critical Thinking
Help children develop media literacy by teaching them to question the authenticity of online content. Encourage them to identify edited or staged images and understand the difference between reality and perception.
- Promote Positive Online Behaviour
Educate children about the importance of respectful communication online. Teach them to think before they post, avoid sharing personal information, and report inappropriate content or behaviour.
- Encourage Offline Activities
Support hobbies, sports, and other extracurricular activities that allow children to build social skills and confidence in real-world settings.
- Monitor Usage Without Overstepping
Use parental controls and monitoring tools to ensure online safety but avoid being overly intrusive. Trust and mutual respect between parents and children are essential for fostering healthy relationships.
How Mental Health Professionals Can Help
Sometimes, the challenges of social media can feel overwhelming for both children and their families. In such cases, seeking support from mental health professionals can make a significant difference.
At Psychowellness Center, a team of experienced top psychologists provides compassionate and evidence-based guidance to help children navigate the complexities of social media. The center offers a range of services, including individual therapy for children, parent counselling, and workshops on digital well-being.
Psychowellness Center is a trusted mental health organisation that provides comprehensive psychological services to individuals, families, and children. With a team of skilled professionals, the center is dedicated to promoting emotional well-being and mental health.
Psychologists at the Psychowellness Center
- Dr. R.K. Suri
- An experienced clinical psychologist with decades of experience, Dr. Suri specialises in helping individuals overcome emotional challenges. His expertise extends to working with children and adolescents facing digital addiction and stress-related issues through child and adolescent counselling.
- Mr. Utkarsh Yadav
Known for his empathetic approach, Utkarsh Yadav focuses on adolescent mental health. He works closely with children and their families to address the psychological impact of social media.
- Mr. Sakshi Dhankhar
Her speciality in child counselling and helping young individuals navigate issues like self-esteem, anxiety, and cyberbullying. Her client-centred methods are tailored to each child’s unique needs.
- Ms. Tanu Sangwan
With expertise in family dynamics, Tanu helps parents and children improve communication and build healthier relationships. She also conducts workshops on fostering digital resilience.
- Mrs. Kala Sengupta
Kala Sengupta’s work emphasises mindfulness and emotional regulation in children. She integrates creative techniques like art therapy to help children express themselves and cope with the pressures of social media.
Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Digital Age
As social media continues to shape the way children interact and view the world, fostering digital resilience is more important than ever. By staying informed, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking professional guidance when needed, parents can help their children navigate the challenges of social media without compromising their mental health.
Psychowellness Center and its team of expert psychologists are committed to supporting children and families in their journey toward emotional well-being by
- Educating families about the psychological impact of social media.
- Building children’s self-esteem and emotional intelligence.
- Teaching practical strategies for managing online interactions.
- Promoting a healthy balance between technology and real-life activities.
Together, we can ensure that social media becomes a tool for growth and connection rather than a source of stress.
Contributed by Ms. Srishti Jain, Counselling Psychologist
References
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Digital Media and Mental Health in Adolescents. Retrieved from www.apa.org
- Common Sense Media. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Children and Teens. Retrieved from www.commonsensemedia.org
- Psychowellness Center. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from www.psychowellnesscenter.com